The scene is set for today's tenth edition of Kinsale Yacht Club's biennial Sovereign's Cup with an entry of 93-boats. 

Last night skippers and crews attended the venue for a pre-regatta briefing and this morning's racing is expected to get off to a gentle start with only light winds forecast. Scroll down the page for Bob Bateman's social shots from last night's opening.

Regatta Director Mike Walsh opened the Cup event in bright sunshine to the applause of competitors. This years event sponsored by Covestone Asset Management see's ninety three boats across all classes compete for the overall trophy the Sovereigns Cup.

A warm day with the lightest of breezes complimented by some warm sunshine provided competitors with the ideal conditions to complete their final preparations. Boats that needed to be craned in now sit alongside the marina ready to go with crews having put in the final tweaks to their rigs. Elsewhere, delivery crews unloaded non-essential equipment and switched to racing sails. Around Kinsale Yacht Club itself, a pleasant buzz of activity was evident throughout the day as those with jobs to do went about them in the pleasant conditions, while those who can afford to sit and watch the world go by had plenty to entertain them!

All a sailors are requested to note Amendment No1 to the SI's has been published to the official notice board.

Wednesday's forecast is for very light winds but it is hoped the clear skies will allow for a sea breeze to develop.

The recent reopening of Kinsale Yacht Club after renovations creates a fitting venue to celebrate the tenth birthday of this popular event. The welcome, competitive racing in what are some of Ireland's most beautiful sailing waters, along with the very social atmosphere ashore characterise Sovereign's Cup and have made it the success it is over the last ten years.

The 90-boats registered to date are spread across 16 classes with a healthy sprinkle of talent from both at home and overseas racing in each division. The regatta will be sailed across four different courses. The windward/leeward course will be managed by Alan Crosbie with Jack Roy shepherding the round the cans course. Peter Crowley has his hands full with both the 1720 and Quarter ton classes and Donal Hayes is looking after the White Sail division.

Class Zero has an impressive line-up of 8 boats, primarily made up of custom IRC boats from around the Irish coast and the UK. Entering for the first time is the Ker 40 "Keronimo" which will no doubt put it up to regatta stalwarts such as Jump Juice, Dark Angle and Impetuous. Class 1 has 17 entries in what is a very tight class band. The majority of boats range from 34 to 36 feet. Travelling through the water at similar speeds, there are sure to be plenty of traffic management issues. An impressive six J109's line up in class one. In light of this Regatta Director Mike Walsh has elected to make them a class within a class and award prizes to the top three scoring boats under IRC.

This year sees the return of the Quarter ton fleet for what will be their third class start at Sovereign's Cup. The fleet is made of the who's who of the class from both at home and the Uk. Rob Gray, class winner in 2011 returns with a "new" boat "Cote". Other notable Solent raiders are making the journey with recently crowned ICRA National Champion Quest along with Diarmuid Foley's beautiful Anchor Challenge leading to Irish charge.

Kicking off last night's Sovereign's Cup 2013 at Kinsale. More photos below.

Racing on the same course as the Quarter Tonners are the 1720's who hold their European Championships as an integral part of this year's Sovereign's Cup. The class last sailed in Sovereign's Cup in 1997, when the class trophy and indeed the overall award, the Sovereign's Cup was awarded to the Anthony O'Leary. The 16 boats entered so far this year are packed previous National and European Champions. As with so many other classes this year, anyone could win this class making one to keep a close eye on as the regatta progresses.

The sailing instructions for next Wednesday's Sovereign's Cup at Kinsale Yacht Club are now available.

As this year's Cup incorporates the 1720 European Championships, two separate sets of sailing instructions have been produced. Both sets are available to download below.

A team of international race officers will look after the combined fleets.

The 90-boats registered to date are spread across 16 classes with a healthy sprinkle of talent from both at home and overseas racing in each division. The regatta will be sailed across four different courses.

The windward/leeward course will be managed by Alan Crosbie with Jack Roy shepherding the round the cans course.

Peter Crowley has his hands full with both the 1720 and Quarter ton classes and Donal Hayes is looking after the White Sail division. 

#sovscup –The tenth edition of Kinsale Yacht Club's biennial Sovereign's Cup gets under way next week with a very healthy entry list of 90-boats. (Scroll down the page for the full entry list). The recent reopening of Kinsale Yacht Club after extensive renovations creates a fitting venue to celebrate the tenth birthday of this most popular event. The warm welcome, competitive racing in what are some of Irelands most beautiful sailing waters, along with the very social atmosphere ashore characterise Sovereign's Cup and have made it the success it is over the last ten years.
The 90-boats registered to date are spread across 16 classes with a healthy sprinkle of talent from both at home and overseas racing in each division. The regatta will be sailed across four different courses. The windward/leeward course will be managed by Alan Crosbie with Jack Roy shepherding the round the cans course. Peter Crowley has his hands full with both the 1720 and Quarter ton classes and Donal Hayes is looking after the White Sail division.
Class Zero has an impressive line-up of 8 boats, primarily made up of custom IRC boats from around the Irish coast and the UK. Entering for the first time is the Ker 40 "Keronimo" which will no doubt put it up to regatta stalwarts such as Jump Juice, Dark Angle and Impetuous. Class 1 has 17 entries in what is a very tight class band. The majority of boats range from 34 to 36 feet. Travelling through the water at similar speeds, there are sure to be plenty of traffic management issues. An impressive six J109's line up in class one. In light of this Regatta Director Mike Walsh has elected to make them a class within a class and award prizes to the top three scoring boats under IRC.
This year sees the return of the Quarter ton fleet for what will be their third class start at Sovereign's Cup. The fleet is made of the who's who of the class from both at home and the UK. Rob Gray, class winner in 2011 returns with a "new" boat "Cote". Other notable Solent raiders are making the journey with recently crowned ICRA National Champion Quest along with Diarmuid Foley's beautiful Anchor Challenge leading the Irish charge.
Racing on the same course as the Quarter Tonners are the 1720's who hold their European Championships as an integral part of this year's Sovereign's Cup. The class last sailed in Sovereign's Cup in 1997, when the class trophy and indeed the overall award, the Sovereign's Cup was awarded to the Anthony O'Leary. The 16 boats entered so far this year are packed previous National and European Champions. As with so many other classes this year, anyone could win this class making one to keep a close eye on as the regatta progresses.
Regatta director Mike Walsh looks forward to extending a warm welcome to all competitors next week. "The scene is set for a successful four days racing afloat and four nights fun ashore. The Child of Prague has been dusted down and early indicators are that we will get some good weather. I look forward to what will hopefully be a great regatta".

Kinsale Yacht Club officially opened its club house just in time to host the Sovereign's Cup for cruiser classes and 1720s next week (27th-30th June).

The south coast club will also stage the International Federation of Disabled Sailing World Championships from (22nd-30th August)

Kinsale Yacht Club celebrated the official re-opening of its renovated Clubhouse at a reception for members and guests last night.

Afloat.ie reported on it previously when the SB20 fleet paid their first visit to the new look KYC a fortnight ago.

The 14-week construction programme included the gutting and total re-build of all changing facilities on the ground floor, to include a new Reception/Office, first-class men and women's changing facilities, laundry, cadet training room and gym. All mechanical and electrical services within the building were replaced and the Bar/Dining areas have been totally refurbished. Also, the extended balcony offers a magnificent view over the marina and has total wheelchair access with a new lift to the main entrance area.

KYC Commodore Cameron Good acknowledged the excellent work of MMB Construction, Kiernan Electrical, Simon Walker Architect, JLS Design, Fiona O'Keefe Interiors, Ray Keane & Associates and Martin O'Callaghan Quantity Surveyors.

He thanked members and staff of Kinsale Yacht Club for their patience and support during the transition and highlighted the key role of member David Ross who volunteered many months of his time to manage the project so professionally.

"We are delighted with our new Clubhouse and hope that members will use and enjoy our excellent new facilities" said Good.

Pamper yourself at the Carlton Hotel Kinsale for just €49pps per night bed & breakfast. That's the deal Kinsale Yacht Club has struck for sailors and supporters of the Covestone Asset Management Sovereign's Cup. The offer is subject to availability also, so get your booking in early to catch this one!

The Carlton Hotel Kinsale overlooks Oysterhaven Creek - very convenient to Kinsale town, and featuring modern leisure club facilities and a revitalising spa for those of you who may feel the need to recharge after an active day out on the water - or savouring the delights of Kinsale and the surrounding area. More information and online booking is available on the hotel's dedicated Sovereign's Cup page: http://www.carltonkinsalehotel.com/sovereignscup.

#sovereigns cup – Over a quarter of entries to date for the Sovereign's Cup Regatta hail from the UK and current entry levels are running at over twice the rate of April 2011.

Minister Simon Coveney was in the newly re-opened Acton's Hotel in Kinsale  to launch the biennial Sovereign's Cup Regatta last Thursday which is expected to bring 140 boats together with 800 sailors from Ireland and overseas from the 26th to the 29th of June.

Coveney praised the community spirit as Kinsale Yacht Club works with local businesses to ensure that the hundreds of sailors enjoy their week's sailing both on the water and ashore in the gourmet capital of Ireland. The regatta is expected to generate over €600,000 for the tourist town and Kinsale Food Circle restaurants will be utilising the influx of visitors to showcase the best of local produce as they prepare to feed the armada of visiting sailors.

"We are delighted with the financial support provided by our title sponsors, independent investment managers, Covestone Asset Management. The early financial assistance helped in funding our new interactive website which has been instrumental in attracting the large number of early entries. It is clear that skippers begun their planning early for their summer sailing and that Kinsale features high on the list of 'must do' events" commented Mike Walsh, Regatta Director.

As well as the excellent sailing conditions, race management and social programme ashore, sailors and their families are expected to take full advantage of the many famous restaurants that form the Kinsale Good Food Circle. The regatta committee are encouraging people to start thinking about their travel and accommodation plans and are delighted that their new website provides direct links to accommodation and restaurants in Kinsale and that Irish Ferries Ltd are providing discounted rates to those travelling from the UK.

The Sovereign's Cup was established in 1995 and this year marks the 10th staging of this hugely popular cruiser regatta. The biennial event is expected to attract over 140 boats from all over Ireland and the UK to compete for the prestigious Sovereign's Cup for best all round score in IRC and The Portcullis Trophy for best score under progressive handicap.

Entries are being taken in Class 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and three White Sails classes. This year the Quarter Ton Class Championships and the European 1720 Championship will be taking place during the Sovereign's Cup, bringing many new visitors to Kinsale from Scotland, Wales and the south of England.

With just three months to go to the Covestone Asset Management Sovereign's Cup 2013, the first listing of registered entrants has just been published and features an impressive 45 entries covering the full spectrum of yacht racing - from stripped out carbon fibre thoroughbreds through to those of more leisurely racing ambitions in the White Sail Class.

The list of entrants (registered to 27th March) can be viewed below.

Regatta Director Mike Walsh expressed his delight with the early response. 'We are well ahead in terms of fully paid up registrations on where previous Sovereign's Cups would have been at this stage'.
'Almost 25% of our entries are travelling to the event from clubs in the UK.
Looking at current registrations as a whole at the moment, over 75% of the entries are visiting competitors, which demonstrates that the Covestone Sovereign's Cup provides a highly attractive offering to those travelling to Kinsale – both on and off the water ", noted Walsh.
The 1720 class will be holding their European Championships as part of the Sovereign's Cup, and six of these dynamic 26 footers are already signed up. Seasoned followers of the 1720 class will no doubt be intrigued by the father-son duel that's in store between sailing supremo Anthony O'Leary and Olympic veteran Peter. According to the Regatta Director, "the set up in Kinsale is excellent for the 1720 fleet with easy craneage into the water and convenient free parking for the trailers while the boats are afloat."
The Quarter Ton Cup will also be held as part of the Covestone Sovereign's Cup, and a number of visitors from the UK have already signed up. Some potent performers are on their way such as Aguila, winner of the Quarter Ton trophy two years ago, Anchor Challenge, winner in 2009 and third in 2012, while Illes Pitituses was nominated for ICRA Boat of the Year in 2012. With the likes of that competition, it's no wonder that there is confirmed interest and intent to enter from a number of other Quarter Ton owners in Dun Laoghaire, Howth and the Solent.
While the Covestone Sovereign's Cup 2013 will continue to deliver the special atmosphere of the nine previous events, with its intimate and friendly setting of the Kinsale Yacht Club and surrounding town and harbour, visitors this year will enjoy the benefits of the major development works underway on the clubhouse. Much improved changing room and showering facilities will be available on the ground floor, while an extended sun deck will tempt those wishing to drink in the sun while downing the finest from the Club's welcoming bar staff.

#sovereignscup – With entries for the Covestone Asset Management Sovereign's Cup 2013, scheduled to take place from 26th to 29th June, well ahead of expectations, a number of highly regarded "rocket-ships" have already declared their intentions of setting the pace next June in the waters off Kinsale. UK-based entries feature prominently, together with a very healthy level of registration from the domestic IRC and White Sail fleets is sure to make this year's Sovereign's Cup a great success. The addition of the 1720 and Quarter Ton Fleets competing for their European and National Championships respectively will ensure a vibrant atmosphere both ashore and afloat.

A number of the entries received to date have registered their interest in and are already eyeing up the 'Triple Crown' Trophy. This novel trophy will be awarded to the boat that achieves the lowest points aggregate score under IRC from results obtained in the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race, the ICRA National Championships and the Sovereign's Cup. Regatta Director Mike Walsh, is delighted to recognise the significant effort and commitment of Skippers and their crews who take part in these events and is thrilled this novel trophy is generating such interest.

Consistent with previous events, entries for this year's Sovereign's Cup will be limited to 100 boats.

Some names and stats that caught our eye among those already entered for the Covestone Sovereign's Cup to date are:

Keronimo - Overall Top Boat 2012 Brewin Dolphin Commodores Cup, Winner Class 1A 2011 Fastnet Race.

Impetuous - 2012 Class 1 ICRA National Champion, Winner 2012 Cork Week, Winner 2012 Corby Week.

Storm II - 2011 Class 1 ICRA National Champion, and too many other titles to mention!

Anchor Challenge- Irish Quarter Ton Champion – 2009, Quarter Ton Cup Winner 2009.

Wet n Ready – 1720 Supremo- Anthony O'Leary.

'EOS' Winner of the Portcullis Trophy at Sovereign's Cup 2011.

#sovereignscup – A novel new prize will be presented at June's Sovereign's Cup. "The Triple Crown" Trophy will be awarded to the boat with the lowest aggregate score under IRC after competing in the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race, The ICRA Nationals and Sovereign's Cup. Speaking at the opening reception, Regatta Director Mike Walsh expressed his view that "recognising the efforts of the boats and crews who compete in each of these three events is important" and he hopes it will spark some interest among visiting and South Coast boats alike.

Details of the milestone 10th edition of Sovereign's Cup were announced at a reception at Kinsale Yacht Club, hosted by Regatta Director, Mike Walsh. The Covestone Sovereign's Cup takes place from 26nd-29th June 2013 in the outer harbour of Kinsale and prides itself in offering excellent sailing conditions, as well as an extensive social programme for all to enjoy ashore.

The Sovereign's Cup was established in 1995 as a biennnial event and has been a very successful and hugely popular cruiser regatta since its inception. Boats from all over Ireland and the UK compete for the prestigious Sovereign's Cup for best performing yacht under IRC and the Portcullis Trophy for best performing yacht under ECHO. Anthony O'Leary in his extensively campaigned and successful Ker 39 'Antix' claimed the 2011 Sovereign's Cup with the 2011 Portcullis Trophy going to KYC's own Dave Scott on his X-362 Sport, 'EOS'. Solent based sailor, Rob Gray captured the Irish Quarter Ton Trophy, sailing 'Aquilla'.

"We have already received a number of queries for the 2013 Sovereign's Cup and there is strong interest from both Wales and the English south coast. We are delighted to announce a new partnership with Covestone Asset Management as this year's event sponsor" said Mike Walsh, Regatta Director. Class divisions for the event are anticipated as being Class 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 IRC and ECHO along with and two White Sails classes and an IRC White Sail Class. The Irish Quarter Ton Class Championships will be taking place during the Covestone Sovereign's Cup and this year the Regatta Director is delighted to welcome the return of the extremely competitive and resurgent 1720 class for their European Championship. It is expected both these latter classes will bring many new visitors to Kinsale from the South of England and Wales in particular.

This year will also see renewed cooperation with Kinsale Chamber of Tourism and Kinsale Good Food Circle who will be hosting a Canapé reception at the formal opening on Tuesday 25th June. "We are encouraging people to start thinking about their travel and accommodation plans, and we are delighted to include specific sections on our web site with information on accommodation in the town and the fantastic amenities available in and around Kinsale for families and friends not going out on the water."

Commenting on exciting developments to the event's new interactive web site, which has just gone live, Mr. Walsh announced that "All entries can now be made online which should greatly simplify and enhance the experience. Thanks to event sponsors Covestone Asset Management we have been able to reduce substantially the entry cost from the 2011 levels for the first 80 entries, and as an added bonus the online booking system allows entrants to avail of the early booking discount and not pay until March 31st 2013."

The Regatta Director expressed his thanks to Kinsale Yacht Club, the Race Management Team and all the volunteers involved with the organisation of the Sovereign's Cup and who work extremely hard to organise an excellent programme both on and off the water.

Mike Walsh welcomed Mr. Donal Roche, Managing Director of Covestone Asset Management who expressed his delight to be associated with such a hugely popular event on the South Coast of Ireland. Mr. Walsh said "Kinsale Yacht Club is delighted to have Covestone as the principal sponsor for the Sovereign's Cup Regatta. He noted that Covestone Asset Management are one of the only truly "Family Offices" in Ireland who have grown and maintained their position as a highly regarded investment manager through their conservative approach" and he "looked forward to working with the Covestone team in the buildup to the regatta."

For more information on the Sovereign's Cup, log on to www.sovereignscup.com or contact Kinsale Yacht Club at +353 (0)21 4773433.

There were exhilarating conditions at the Sovereign's Cup at Kinsale today and some great racing despite the misery of torrential rain writes Claire Bateman.

Class Three IRC which includes the quarter tonners was sailing windward/leeward courses in Bullen's Bay between Black Head and Hake Head. In their first race they had 18/22 knots of wind with tide. Aguila was first to the mark, followed by Tiger and then Anchor Challenge, and they were running with speeds up to 14.5kts under spinnaker. However by the second race of the day the wind had increased and the tide had turned making for very hairy sailing indeed. Leading at the weather mark Aguila hoisted her kite, had a massive broach, and was on her side for some minutes during which time Anchor Challenge passed as did Tiger and other boats in the fleet.

In the final result Anchor Challenge was first over the water beating Tiger. However, when the handicap was applied, Tiger had beaten Anchor Challenge by 5 seconds with Aguila third. Flasheart, a visitor from Britain, had a pitch pole type gybe resulting in the injury of a crew member. After medical attention the injured sailor was well enough to attend the Quarter Ton reception at the Trident Hotel so thankfully all is alright in the world. The interesting thing for tomorrow is that Tiger and Aguila are both on equal 10 points followed by Anchor Challenge on 12 and, equally interesting Blackfun and John Twomey's Shillelagh are on equal points of 24 each.

In Class Zero IRC Antix had two firsts and with the help of Olympian son Peter, and all the Antix high powered crew, achieved speeds of up to 19.5kts in the conditions. Now that a discard has been applied Jump Juice has come up the ladder and lies second going into tomorrow's racing followed by Independent Bear and Gloves Off on 15 points each.

In Class One IRC the 21 boat fleet includes seven J109s, in itself a class within a class, and is providing fiercely competitive sailing in this tightly fought class. EOS leads on 10 points, with Jelly Baby on 13 points, followed by Storm on 19 points and with Robert O'Leary's Antix Beag on 24 points and having enjoyed a tremendous first place today.

Class Two IRC were sailing windward/leeward courses down off the Sovereign Islands and here the Sigma 33s and Corby 25s are battling it out for the top of the leaderboard. Tim Goodbody's White Mischief leads on 13 points with Yanks ¢ ffrancs on 18 points followed by another Corby, Allure, on 22 points and with Clem and Wendy McElligott's Sigma 33 on 31.5 points.

So, tomorrow will be interesting to say the least. Perhaps a windy day but we hope, without the rain.

However, this writer has a feeling that the surge of interest tomorrow will veer towards the awarding of the new Michelle Dunne Prix d'Elegance Trophy. It will indeed be a proud owner that will be the recipient of this magnificent trophy and we all eagerly await the outcome.