Kinsale basked in glorious sunshine this June bank holiday weekend and with the good weather forecasted, sailing secretary and last year’s Kinsale Yacht Club person of the year, David Cullinane organised a “cruise in company” for people living within 5km of their boats last Sunday.

And what a magical day he picked. Rarely has the harbour been so busy with every sort of floating vessel from paddle boards to yachts.

Whilst a stiff easterly wind blowing, many boats took shelter and anchored under the lee of Lower Cove & Sandycove to enjoy their gin & tonics, whilst the “sailors” gladly hoisted their sails for their maiden sail this season and cruised around the Sovereign islands and back to the harbour making the most of the conditions.

Nadia

Hansemer

Kinsale Yacht Club have totally redesigned the racing calendar for 2020, with the aforementioned David Cullinane and Vice Commodore Matthias Hellstern, literally “stuffing” as much sailing as possible into the diary, from late July and it is planned that on the water activity will continue well into November to make up for lost time.

"Rarely has the harbour been so busy with every sort of floating vessel from paddle boards to yachts"

With that in mind, Commodore Michael Walsh summed up everyone thoughts when he said that “Sunday was a major success, the first of many planned events over the summer and we were delighted to see so many members enjoying their boats and the marina facilities. We very much look forward to welcoming our Cork members and friends as soon as the 5km limit is lifted”

Bay Tiger

The problem for resuming normal yacht racing is the current limitation on household crewing of boats only. Because the majority of yachts are not crewed solely by one household, racing is impossible under current restrictions. This is reflected in the intentions of two Cork clubs to resume limited racing, for household-crewed boats only, reports Tom MacSweeney.

Kinsale Yacht Club's limited form of club sailing

Kinsale Yacht Club is proposing to start what Club Commodore Mike Walsh describes as   “a limited form of club sailing next Wednesday (June 10) but only for family/ household boats living within 20kms of the club marina. This would include Squibs, Dragons, Cruisers.”

He has told members that this racing “will be limited to white sail only for cruisers.

“All activities are limited to household units. If there is sufficient interest we will continue this league or series of races until July 20. Starting and finishing will be from the club marina.”

The club intends to start its Junior Sailing/training course on July 6, which is likely to run to the end of August in a restructured schedule. The course is fully booked. Further applications will be put on a waiting list.

Loch Greine, owned by Tom, Donal and Declan O'Mahony sailing past Roches Point Lighthouse Photo: Bob Bateman

Cruiser racing in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

Cove Sailing Club's single-handed or single household sailing

Cove Sailing Club in Cork Harbour says it is aiming to resume sailing at the start of July, “assuming government restrictions are lifted at the end of June.”

This also will only be for “single-handed or single household sailing.”

Cove Sailing Club Headquarters Photo: Bob Bateman

The club says it will not be able to run “a full programme of training courses similar to the past 13 years, but will endeavour to plan for a return to sailing courses as soon as safely possible.”

Kinsale Yacht Club have today confirmed that the 2020 Dragon Gold Cup, due to be sailed from the 5 to 11 September, has been cancelled.

“Clearly the global COVID-19 crisis has already impacted many events and our thoughts and prayers are with those personally affected by the crisis.” commented Regatta Director Tony Kingston whilst adding “We had sought consultation with all of our stakeholders, including the International Dragon Association, Irish Sailing and of course our wonderful sponsors. With up to 500 visitors expected to travel to Kinsale from all corners of the world, we needed to be sure that our borders will be open without quarantine restrictions and unfortunately, we simply do not have the clarity we need at this stage to be able to pursue our goal of running a world-class event”.

"We simply do not have the clarity we need"

Headline Sponsor for the Gold Cup, Ciaran Fitzgerald of the Blue Haven Collection added “The Blue Haven Collection were honoured to be headline sponsor for the Gold Cup and was excited to welcome everyone to Kinsale this September. We were supported by Heineken Ireland and the Kinsale Good Food Circle and had looked forward to showing everyone why Kinsale is the Gourmet Capital of Ireland. As a hotel located in the heart of our town, I have seen first-hand how difficult local businesses have found this lockdown, but Kinsale has overcome many battles over the years, will come back stronger than ever and we would be delighted to welcome the Dragon Class to Kinsale at any stage in the future”.

Speaking of the announcement, Kinsale Yacht Club’s Commodore Michael Walsh said “We are obviously disappointed to have to cancel this prestigious event. We believe it is the correct decision based on the information we currently have, and people’s health is to the forefront of our minds. Kinsale Yacht Club was privileged to be selected to host the Gold Cup for 2020 building on the success of the 2012 event, an event I personally participated in. I have seen first-hand the hard work that Tony and his entire team have put in behind the scenes and whilst it saddens us all to cancel, we would be hopeful of hosting another major Dragon event at Kinsale Yacht club in the near future”.

Chairman of the International Dragon Association, Jens Rathsack, concluded by saying “On behalf of all Dragon sailors who were eagerly anticipating a return to Kinsale - one of the class’s best-loved venues - we would like to thank Kinsale Yacht Club’s Gold Cup 2020 organising team for their herculean efforts to make the event possible. Sadly, the likely restrictions on international travel have made it impossible to proceed, but we will return to this beautiful venue again soon and when we do I am quite certain that we will enjoy another superb regatta with famous Irish hospitality!”

The Kinsale Dragon class are now working towards “Irish Dragon Week” which would be a South Coast and National Championships combined into the same week scheduled for the Gold Cup, however news of the viability of this event will be announced in July.

Kinsale Yacht club and the organising committee would like to take this opportunity to thank our Gold Cup 2020 sponsors:

• Blue Haven Collection – Headline Sponsor
• Heineken Ireland - Drinks Partner
• Cork County Council & Pure Cork
• Brendan O’Regan of Zenith Technologies
• Kinsale Good Food Circle
• Dubarry Ireland
• Brewin Dolphin
• Glebe Country House
• Trident Hotel
• Actons Hotel
• Perryville House

Full refunds of all entry fees will be processed over the coming weeks

Kinsale Yacht Club (KYC) and the International Dragon Association (IDA) have today confirmed that planning for the 2020 Dragon Gold Cup, to be raced off Kinsale from 5 to 11 September, is still progressing as normal at the current time.

Speaking on behalf of the club and the Irish Dragon Class, Regatta Director Tony Kingston said, “Clearly the global COVID-19 crisis has already impacted many events and our thoughts and prayers are with those personally affected by the crisis. However, we are doing all we can to remain positive and be prepared for when we can once again come together to enjoy the sport we love. Although by no means certain, there are signs of hope that by September the current restrictions may have been relaxed. We, therefore, continue to work towards delivering a truly outstanding Dragon Gold Cup 2020 and to welcoming friends from across the globe for what I am sure will be a very special reunion.”

IDA Secretary Tim Pearson added, “We would ask all Dragon sailors to continue making arrangements to attend the 2020 Gold Cup at this time. We are of course mindful that teams will be travelling internationally to attend and so this decision is being kept under regular review as further advice in regard to the international travel situation and from the Irish Government becomes available. We anticipate that a final decision to confirm the event will be made in early June, however, should a change be forced upon us prior to this we will, of course, keep competitors fully updated.”

The 2020 Dragon Gold Cup will be raced from Sunday 6 to Friday 11 September with six races scheduled. Onsite registration for the event will open on Thursday 3 September with a practice race scheduled for Saturday 5 September. A Warmup Regatta is planned for the weekend of 29 and 30 August. Online entry for the Dragon Gold Cup is already open at www.dragongoldcup2020.com where the Notice of Race and additional information can also be found.

KYC confirms that in the event it becomes necessary to cancel the regatta all entry fees will be refunded.

For further information about the Dragon Gold Cup 2020 contact [email protected].

With the country in lockdown, it’s heartening to see major renovations recently completed on the marina by Kinsale Yacht Club.

Many readers will be familiar with Kinsale Yacht Club marina, which is right in the centre of town and guarded by its historic forts.

Last extended in 2003, sections of new marina replaced pontoons dating back to the original build in 1978.

The much cherished and frequently used accessibility pontoon has also been replaced and will continue to allow Kinsale’s Sailability programme to develop and flourish.

Commenting on the marina renovations, rear commodore Tony Scannell said “we are delighted to see these works carried out in such a timely and efficient manner. There was minimal disruption to berth holders and the new sections will make the marina, safer and more secure for its users. Special thanks to suppliers and contractors Inland & Coastal Marine Systems along with our own marina team of manager Paul Murphy and Richard McKinley”

Due to the Covid 19 crisis, unfortunately, the yacht club remains closed and barring the Custom Rigging Frostbites, the sailing season has yet to really kick off in earnest.

Vice Commodore with responsibility for sailing Matthias Hellstern told Afloat: “We are closely following Government and HSE guidelines with regard to our club and sailing calendar.  Unfortunately, we have had to postpone the Squib nationals until 2021 but currently, we are planning as normal for the Dragon Gold Cup in September and will make a final decision in June. I think it’s fair to say that we all miss our club and the ability to go racing, however, our primary concern is the safety of our staff and members and all of our thoughts here in Kinsale are with those affected by this crisis”.

The Kinsale Yacht Club March League has been postponed on the South Coast.

"Due to the Covid19 crisis Kinsale Yacht Club Management Committee has taken the decision to postpone the league", KYC Commodore Mike Walsh told Afloat.

With March upon us, the boatyard in Kinsale is a hive of activity ahead of Kinsale Yacht Club’s cruiser racing season.

Polish and antifouling are being applied with some of the more eager and organised expected to be on the start line for the Frank Godsell March League as a warm-up to the Axiom Private Spring Series.

Last week, as Afloat reported previously, the club's Sailing Secretary David Cullinane released the Notice of Race for the Axiom Private Spring Series and is expecting a strong entry.

With new class captains recently elected, former Commodore Finbarr O’Regan takes charge of the Cruisers with Mark Leonard looking after the white sail, meaning Kinsale’s cruiser racing is in safe hands for the season ahead.

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Former Club Commodore, Tom Roche of Axiom Private Clients has come on board as title sponsors for this year’s Spring Series at Kinsale Yacht Club writes Brian Goggin.

Tom and his wife Ursula have campaigned their Solona 45 - Meridian for many years now and have been big supporters of cruiser racing along the South Coast

Meridian will once again have strong competition in class Zero from Conor Doyle’s XP 50 Freya as well as visitors from Royal Cork, Conor Phelan’s Jump Juice and Denis Murphy’s Nieulargo.

Commenting on the announcement Michael Walsh Commodore of Kinsale Yacht Club said “we are always so thankful to our sponsors and volunteers within Kinsale Yacht Club and we are very grateful to Tom and Axiom Private Clients who have come onboard as sponsors. The Spring Series is always a fantastic way for our cruiser racers to hone their skills and crew work for their busy season ahead”

And 2020 will certainly be a busy season for Tom Roche and crew as Tom has organised a crew from Kinsale to travel to Malta where they have chartered a new X Yacht to take part in this year’s Middle Sea Race.

This year’s Spring Series will run from 5th to the 25th of April under the stewardship of recently retired Commodore David O’Sullivan as Principle Race Officer.

Westerly winds of 16 to 20 knots greeted the first day of the Custom Rigging Spring Frostbites Series at Kinsale Yacht Club on Sunday. 

Squibs, Toppers and Lasers competed over a course set by the race officer team of John and Valerie Stallard, Susan Horgan, Bruce and June Matthews. 

Conditions were very gusty so it was decided to run a single race only before the fleet was sent ashore.

Bob Bateman captured the action (below) in the morning race.

A big celebration evening took place at Kinsale Yacht Club on Thursday night last to mark Kinsale’s win at the recent Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards writes Brian Goggin of KYC.

Kinsale took home the National title for the most Enterprising Town in Ireland. This is a fantastic achievement for the progressive, forward-thinking town that seems to keep on pushing boundaries and never stops developing.

Of course, Kinsale Yacht Club is a proud share in the town’s success and the yacht club, with its stunning location on the waterfront, was selected as the location to celebrate the towns win.

Mike Walsh, the current Commodore of Kinsale Yacht Club, together with former mirror ace Ciaran Fitzgerald and Dragon sailor David Good is also involved in Kinsale Chamber of Tourism and Business and were heavily involved in the bid for the award along with many other businesses and voluntary organisations in the town

Mike welcomed the gathering to the yacht club before passing proceedings onto Minister Jim Daly who said: “Kinsale Town is a natural leader when it comes to fostering Enterprise. Geography and History have both been very kind to Kinsale, but it is the homegrown, cross-community, can-do approach that has resulted in Kinsale rightly being recognised as a leading Enterprise town in Ireland”.

Eilis Mannion, Head of Bank of Ireland for County Cork officially presented the award to Kinsale. Commenting on Kinsale's win she said, "We saw what happens when a team comes together and collaborates right across the whole community". The win is indicative of the hard work and dedication of many businesses and enterprises but also of the community spirit which is at the heart of everything in Kinsale.

The yacht club look forward to further working with the town with big events like the Squib Nationals and Dragon Gold Cup on the horizon for 2020