Anthony O’Neill has been sailing Dragons for twenty years. In September he would have been racing in the Dragons’ major international event, the Gold Cup, which had been scheduled for Kinsale. The pandemic stopped that. Now he has been appointed to a new role as the Director of Kinsale Yacht Club’s premier event, the Sovereigns Cup, which it runs every two years.

His first task has been to secure sponsorship which has come from the company run by a man who has won the event a few times – Anthony O’Leary. Major events need such support and the many cancellations forced on the sport this year due to COVID 19 have had their impact as companies review commitments. However, with O’Leary Insurances aboard, the new Director is now busy on two fronts.

In his on-the-water competitive role, he’ll be taking part in the Dragon Week which the Kinsale club will run from September 5-12, replacing the Gold Cup.

“That will be interesting and enjoyable. We were well keyed-up for the Gold Cup, but we’ll have our competitive week and get in some good sailing. They’re a great boat and there’s a lot of members of the class just wanting to get into the competition and enjoyment of the week ahead in September after the disappointment of the cancellation.”

In his directorial role for the Sovereigns Cup, he is already working on the Notice of Race for the event next June. That will be issued by December and entries will open in the New Year.

Anthony O’Neill is my Podcast guest this week. He is hopeful that there will be a carry-over to next year from the disappointments of this year’s sailing event which will bring more people onto the water in competitive events. The target for the Sovereigns Cup is 100 entries and work towards that is already underway he tells me.

Listen to this week’s Podcast below

Kinsale Yacht Club is welcoming welcome back the O’Leary Insurance Group as headline sponsors of its Sovereigns Cup 2021.

The other major regatta news from Kinsale this week is that Anthony O’Neill has been appointed Regatta Director for next edition. Welcoming the news, Commodore Michael Walsh reported that work is well underway into the organisation of the 2021 regatta saying “We look forward to welcoming all competitors to Kinsale Yacht Club in June for the 14th edition of the Sovereigns Cup. It’s fantastic to welcome back the O’Leary Insurance Group as headline sponsor and am personally delighted to see Anthony O’Neill take the helm as the regatta director for the event”

Speaking of his appointment Anthony O’Neill commented “I’m honoured to have been asked to head up the organising committee for next year’s Sovereigns Cup. I have competed in the event many times over the years and look forward to welcoming many cruiser/ racers as well as one-design classes to Kinsale next June. I am also especially thankful to the O’Leary Insurance Group for their support. This is the third Sovereigns Cup in a row that they have been title sponsors and we are all delighted to welcome them back”

Robert Kennedy of the O’Leary Insurance Group added, “Brian and I were delighted to be asked here this evening for this photoshoot to welcome Anthony into his role and also to acknowledge the wonderful relationship the O’Leary Insurance Group and Kinsale Yacht Club have built up over the past number of years. Sovereigns Cup is a unique event, in the unique setting of Kinsale and we very much look forward to working with Anthony and his team to ensure the success of Sovereigns Cup 2021”

This will be the 14th Sovereigns Cup which started in 1995 and runs biennially. The event runs from the 23rd to the 26th of June 2021.

The Notice of Race for the 2020 SCORA Fastnet Race, sponsored by UK Sailmakers Ireland, is now available to download.

No class divisions apply in this all-in IRC race, which sets off from the Kinsale Yacht Club’s Charles Fort Line with first gun at 5.55pm on Saturday 1 August. For more see the NOR attached below.

The run to the Fastnet, as noted in Tom MacSweeney's podcast earlier today, will be the highlight of a weekend of sailing in Kinsale that also includes the Open Keelboat Regatta, sponsored by Barry Ryan Civil Engineering Ltd.

This one-design for regatta is open to Dragons and Squibs, with six races over two days outside of Kinsale Harbour and an entry fee of just €40.

See the Kinsale Yacht Club website for further details including entry forms and sailing instructions.

Kinsale Yacht Club has been awarded the environmental Blue Flag for 2020. The 2020 results were announced today by An Taisce.

The marinas and beaches who achieved the accolade must adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management and comply with water regulations considerably above minimum EU standards.

Given this year’s extraordinary Covid – 19 circumstances the award ceremony was cancelled.

Kinsale Yacht Club Marina's Blue Flag for 2020 is unfurled in the West Cork town

KYC Rear Commodore Tony Scannell commented 'this is a great achievement for Kinsale Yacht Club and congratulations to Marina Manager Paul Murphy and his assistant Richard McGinley for their hard work ensuring the club retained its blue flag status and also to the berth holders for their continued support.A lot of work goes on in the background to ensure the club marina remains a top-quality facility and thank you to all'.

As Afloat reported earlier, KYC marina is keen to stimulate sailing activity along the coastline and accordingly would like to invite members of all Cork clubs to use the marina in the coming weeks with a sizeable discount on usual rates.

With the unexpected announcement from An Taoiseach on Friday afternoon that travel is permitted throughout all of county Cork from today, Kinsale Yacht Club is keen to stimulate some sailing activity along our coastline and accordingly would like to invite members of all Cork clubs to use our marina in the coming weeks writes KYC Commodore Mike Walsh.

From Thursday 11th and for the remainder of the month of June, Kinsale Yacht Club is offering a special 50% discount from the published rates to all. Changing rooms/showers etc. will be available to all visitors.

Overnight berths will need to be booked and paid for in advance by contacting marina manager Paul Murphy at 087 6787377 or email [email protected]

We are firstly delighted to be able to welcome our Cork members back to the marina but are also keen to do whatever we can to see some activity back along our beautiful coast. Whilst the yacht club bar and restaurant facilities are currently closed, Kinsale being the Gourmet Capital of Ireland, has many restaurants offering take-out meals of a really high standard.

A maritime Kinsale home Photo: Bob Bateman

This allows people to experience the fabulous food Kinsale has to offer from the comfort of their boat, all within a short stroll of our marina location.

Many cafés have also opened their doors for take away coffee etc. and below are some of the restaurants offing take-out dinner options.

Port of Kinsale Photo: Bob Bateman

Kinsale RNLI Station Photo: Bob Bateman

A seafront cafe at Kinsale Photo: Bob Bateman

Kinsale Cafes

The Supper Club
Fishy Fishy
Dino's
White Lady
Apache Pizza
Jim Edwards
Malay Kitchen

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”.