"We are delighted to announce our partners for Sovereign's Cup 2011 as MGM Boats has opened a new brokerage office in Kinsale, Eli Lilly is a long-established multi-national and the support of Fáilte Ireland is a great measure of the impact the event has on local tourism," said Gary Horgan, Regatta Director.
Entries are rolling in each week, with both regular competitors and newcomers to the event from all over Ireland and the UK. This year welcomes previous Sovereign's Cup winner, Eamonn Rohan returning to defend his title on his Quarter tonner 'Anchor Challenge'. Also registered is previous Sovereign's Cup winner and team Captain of last year's victorious Rolex Commodore's Cup Team, Anthony O'Leary on his Ker 39 'Antix'.
There are a number of entries in the strong Quarter Ton fleet, including international professional yachtsman, Peter Morton who will race on 'Odd Job' as his wife Louise Morton (and Quarter Ton Class Secretary) will race on 'Espada'. Other Quarter tonners include 'Black Fun' from New Zealand, Neil Kenefick on 'Tiger', Rob Gray on 'Aquila', Ian Travers on 'Bandit' and Ken Lawless on'Supernova', to name but a few.
According to Regatta Director, Gary Horgan, "As well as the excellent sailing conditions, race management and social programme ashore, we are encouraging sailors and guests to start thinking about their travel and accommodation plans. We are delighted that the Cork Swansea ferry will enable more sailors to access Kinsale easily from the UK and Failte Ireland's website www.discoverireland.ie/cork is an excellent vehicle for checking out accommodation in Kinsale and surrounding areas," he added.
The social programme is based around providing a fun atmosphere after racing for people to enjoy and later in the evenings there will be some great music for a top party atmosphere. The event kicks off with a launch reception at Kinsale Yacht Club on Tuesday 21st June and the week will draw to a close following the prizegiving on Saturday 25th June with a Bar-B-Q and musical entertainment.
The Sovereign's Cup was established in 1995 and has been a very successful and hugely popular cruiser regatta. The biennial event attracts over 140 boats from all over Ireland and the UK who compete for the prestigious Sovereign's Cup for best all round score in IRC and The Portcullis Trophy for best ECHO handicap.
There are many Classes for entry; including Class 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and two White Sails classes. Also, the Quarter Ton Class Championships will be taking place during the Sovereign's Cup, bringing many new visitors to Kinsale from the South of England and Wales in particular.
