As a fleet of Irish historic yachts depart for Morbhian Traditional Yachting Regatta and Dun Laoghaire Regatta announces up to 70 classic boat entries will compete in its inaugural Kingstown 200 Cup, classic boats continue to register for Glandore's Classic Boat Festival that runs from Sunday July 23rd to Friday July 28th. Cuilaun of Kinsale, a 54 ft McGruer Ketch, and MacDuach, a 60ft Galway Hooker have recently signing up. The Old gaffers Tir na N’Og and Helcia have also registered or committed in the last few days, bringing the count to over 50 classic boats so far.
Many of the early registrations are from the UK, Dublin, or further afield, which is to be expected given the logistics involved in sailing to the Fastnet Coast.
Glandore Yacht Club plans four days of exciting racing, as well as the pageantry of the Parade of Sail, and the fun ‘cruise in company’ to Castletownshend with lunch at the celebrated Mary Anne’s gastro-pub. The Water Wags will be coming down from Dublin to demonstrate ‘syncronised sailing’.
The Classic Regatta this year will host a new memorial event, racing the City One dinghies to commemorate their designer, Theo Rye, a talented marine architect who worked on many well know Classic restorations and re-launch projects including Peggy Bawn and the A K Ilen.
The Regatta and racing will be planned to allow time for sailors to visit each other’s boats, exchanging knowledge, experience and complements.