#royalcork – Following the final race of the CH Marine Autumn league series on Saturday, sponsor Nick Bendon presented the prizes for the Cork Harbour cruiser event. The prize giving dinner proved to be a total sell out, a resounding success, and a great end to the Autumn series. Scroll down for more presentation photos.

#royalcork – Today was another wonderful October day for the CH Marine Autumn Series writes Claire Bateman. There was bright sunshine after a night of dense fog that cleared exactly as had been forecast. The wind in the outer harbour was 10 to 14 knots from the east but in the inner harbour the Wind Gods were not quite so kind and the wind was a little bit softer about 5 to 7 knots.

Speaking of the lighter wind in the harbour, RO for Classes 1, 2 and 3, Peter Crowley, would have liked to finish his fleets inside but given the reports of light winds, opted instead for two triangle courses which as it turned out were rather exciting to watch and the racing was not without its moments. In Class 3 there was a coming together and both boats retired. For the second race there was an individual recall and Tom Roche's Meridian returned to restart. Also in the second race Ian Nagle's Jelly Baby was playing a blinder and came into the weather mark in the first round in second place. It was a 4.2m tide with low water about 3pm and there were a lot of alternative approaches to the beat. The J80, J92 and the Main Four seemed to be having a ding dong battle on the reach and a bit of a luffing match ensued.

However, inside the harbour David O'Brien's fleets were sent off from the committee boat, anchored near the No. 8 buoy, in what was the best order, Class 4 first, WS2 and then WS1. They were given a beat to the No. 11 buoy and then back to No. 8 where the course was then shortened. In the second race they were sent off on what was effectively a triangle course. Indeed one wag was heard to mutter that the fastest thing in the harbour for the afternoon was a ship coming through the fleet and indeed any yachts in the path of this ship were quickly shepherded away by Gavin Deane and Mark Ring.

Meanwhile Anthony O'Leary had his 1720 fleet down off Cuskinny and they looked quite interesting when the wind eventually filled in during the afternoon.

This series counts for SCORA (South Coast Offshore Racing Association) and we hope to have an update on this during the coming week.

Sunday next will be see the penultimate race of the series with the final race on the following Saturday followed by the prize giving dinner always a highlight of the season.

#chmarine – Yesterday luck was on the side of the organisers of the CH Marine Autumn series at Royal Cork Yacht Club as the full quota of races was sailed before the worst of the weather that had been forecast started to come in writes Claire Bateman. There was a calm before the storm as the yachts headed out this morning. When they got out into Cork Harbour there about 12 knots of wind greeted the fleet but during racing as rain squalls were passing through winds rose to about 25 knots and for the final half hour of racing it rose to approximately 30 knots. Luckily Cork Harbour, as always, was available and with RO Peter Crowley in Sparetime anchored off Cuskinny, Classes 1,2 and 3 were given a windward/leeward course while off the corner of Spike Anthony O'Leary in Irish Mist gave an enlarged 1720 fleet a windward/leeward course to a laid mark on the Curlane Bank and David O'Brien went to the Eastern side of the harbour off Whitegate where he was able to set a course round the navigation buoys for Whitesail 1, 2 and Class 4.

It was a day for boats with good beating ability given a very strong 4m flood tide and a south westerly wind. With the very squally conditions being experienced good crew handling had to be at a premium. A number of yachts suffered minor gear failure in the form of broken halyards, torn sails etc., and in the second race it was only the bravest of the bold flew spinnakers and they surely were rewarded with an exhilarating ride for their endeavours.

As is usual in handicap racing there are always one or two boats who end up competing with each other on the water and nowhere more so than in the case of Kinsale's Conor Doyle's X42 'Freya' and KYC Vice Commodore Tom Roche in his Salona 45 'Meridian'. On the water in Race 1 of the day Conor Doyle was leading the battle but in the second race the position was reversed and Freya eventually had to retire with gear failure. However, on handicap there was no stopping Rob McConnell's A35 'Fools Gold' from WHSC who notched up another two wins in IRC to match his result from Day One of the Series. Ian Nagle's J109 'Jelly Baby' from Royal Cork put in a competitive performance against Fools Gold but had to be content with the number two spot.

Meanwhile the Whitesail 1 fleet went on a course to No. 6 port, E1 starboard, W2 starboard, E4 port, Cage starboard and finish. In today's conditions Dan Cross in 'Yoshi' looked splendid as he was beating out against the tide in the freshening breeze but leading on the water was the more race orientated John Downing's Samba reveling in the stronger conditions. For the second race of the day David O'Brien reversed the order of the start and sent off Class 4 first and this worked very well. An unusual incident took place when relaying the mark after the Class 4 start of race 2. When the anchor was pulled up it was found to have a cavity block embedded in it!!

All in all it is great to be able to enjoy excellent racing in October and assuming that conditions next Sunday permit even one race to be sailed, there will be a discard applied and we will then see the picture more clearly for all of the fleets.

Racing will continue next Sunday

#royalcork – Yesterday saw an auspicious start to day one of the CH Marine Autumn Series at Royal Cork writes Claire Bateman. The weather saw to it that the day produced excellent conditions for the start of this major and very popular annual event even if the wind was light The sun was shining, there was a light south easterly breeze and flat water, it was like a July day. With seventy boats, including many most welcome visitors from clubs around the south taking to the water all champing at the bit to get to the start line well ahead of the first gun, the fleet made a great sight pouring down the river all eager for action and the promise of a great day ahead. Then there was that brief uncanny feeling, almost a loneliness, that always prevails when yachts go to sea, of emptiness and silence while breaths were being drawn before preparations got get underway for other classes getting ready for their racing of the day with the excitement and preparation starting all over again. All of great interest for those enjoying their morning coffee on the patio area in the brilliant weather.

The entries today seemed to confirm what has gradually become obvious for the past couple of seasons and that is the growth of the white sail fleet. This was certainly in evidence with the increase of numbers in the fleets. The Whitesail fleets normally considered the gentlemens' class did not live up to their reputation today as there was much shouting on the start line. Their sailing yesterday was inside the harbour with Race Officer David O'Brien and they had a course to No. 7, back to No. 14, which was a very slow leg against the tide, and then to No. 6 where the course was shortened.

Close action in the 1720s. More photos below

Classes I, 2 and 3 were sailing outside the harbour and they had a windward/ leeward course with Race Officer Peter Crowley. Many of the yachts had to place the crews on the leeward side such were the conditions. The race was shortened after one round of the course.

In the second race these classes were given windward/leeward courses again but this time they were brought back into the harbour where they made a splendid spectacle joining up with the White Sail and 1720 fleets and they were finished in the harbour by Peter Crowley who had moved inside and positioned Sparetime off the Grassy line at the Cage Buoy.

In a change for the Autumn series the 1720s had their own course with Anthony O'Leary as Race Officer, and given that this is a One Design fleet it made for a very efficient way of running this fleet in the series.

Racing continues next Sunday, October 5th.

#royalcork – Today was a great day when the Sutton Book Junior Team arrived at the Royal Cork Yacht Club to compete for the Sutton Junior Book and received a warm welcome after their trip from Sutton Dinghy Club writes Claire Bateman.

The morning had started out misty but the fog cleared steadily to make way for a beautiful sunny day but with only about 3 knots of light breeze from the east. Having tossed a coin to select the boats both teams headed out to the Curlane Bank where they awaited breeze to start racing. The breeze failed to materialize so they moved further towards Spike where a course was laid. Race one commenced and the Royal Cork team were a little more sure of themselves being on home waters and following a penalty on one of the Sutton boats resulting in a penalty turn that race was won by the home team. Race two was a different kettle of fish. The Sutton team were growing stronger and there was a lot more panache about them and they went on to win that race.

Next on the race programme was the changing of the boats between the teams and with the sides level everybody was on tenterhooks.

And so it came all came down to the final race as all good events should do and despite the best efforts of Race Officer, Stephen O'Shaughnessy, several attempts to start resulted in general recalls. Finally, with the wind filling from the south west, two of the Royal Cork boats got away cleanly and led first and second with the third boat left to fend off the Sutton team and doing a pretty good job at this with the result Royal Cork were able to take the event.

The event today was a follow on to the sailing of the Senior Sutton Book in Sutton in August. Speaking after racing Rear Admiral Dinghies, RCYC, Celine McGrath, expressed her thanks to Sutton Dinghy Club for reviving this wonderful tradition in this the club's 75th anniversary year and to Andy Johnson, Sutton Commodore, whose perseverance led to the Senior leg taking place in August which was won by Sutton, and the Junior leg today that the Royal Cork won. She also expressed her thanks to Stephen O'Shaughnessy, Race Officer, Jim McGinley for mark laying, Tom Crosbie, Umpire, and to Wendy and Martin for helping and ferrying the Sutton team to Cork.

Winners –L to R Rear Admiral Dinghies Celine Mc Grath,Grattan Roberts, Jamie Tingle, Thomas Mc Grath, Admiral Pat Lyons, Suzi Fitzpatrick, Jill Mc Ginley, Rebecca O'Shaughnessy

#2kteamracing – Teams from Howth Yacht Club and the Royal Cork Yacht Club travelled to Porto Ercole, Tuscany for the Italian- Cala Galera leg of the 2014 2K team Racing Circuit, from the 5th to 7th of September. Both teams enjoyed high intensity racing, some very tight matches, exceptional racing conditions, and beautiful scenery.

The Royal Cork team, led by skippers Fred Cudmore and George Kinsgton won 6 of the 9 races in the round robin, over the first and second day of the event. They went into day 3 of the event in second place, and faced the highly experienced 2K racers, Yacht Club Costa Smerelda in the first to two wins semi final. Racing went down to the wire, but unfortunately YCCS won 2-1. The Rebel army won their petit final, against the British Team Magnum, finishing the regatta in 3rd place. YCCS stormed on to beat the Rome Racing Team in the final.

Howth Yacht Club, competing at their first 2K event, had a slow start getting in only two races of their round robin on Friday. With more breeze on day 2, skippers Simon Rattigan and Geoff Tait were more in the groove of the 2 v 2 racing and they went on to win 4 from 7 of their races. On day 3, the team had the best seats in the house to watch the gold fleet finals, from their luxurious changeover yacht. They then took part in the "king of the castle" silver fleet final, and finished the event in 9th place.

The Royal Cork were represented by: Fred Cudmore, Emma Geary, Philip O'Leary, Sarah O'Leary, George Kingston, Ian Mc Namee, Philip Mc Glade, and Eimear O'Leary.
Howth were represented by Simon Rattigan, Aoife English, Ross Mc Donald, Rachel O'Brien, Geoff Tait, Lisa Tait, Rob Kerley and Jess Armstrong.

Full event report and results are available here

#rnli –The Autumn Series at Royal Cork Yacht Club is rapidly approaching writes Claire Bateman. Once again the Cork Harbour club is extremely fortunate to have CH Marine sponsoring the series, one of the premier highlights of the sailing season at the club that always attracts large numbers of sailors from a wide variety of clubs from around Ireland. CH Marine have sponsored this event for a number of years and have enabled the club to stage the magnificent and popular event that it is.

This year the Autumn Series will commence on Saturday, September 27th with the first two races and will follow with two races each day on October 5th, October 12th, October 19th and finishing on October 25th. Racing will commence each day at 11.55hrs. and will be followed each day by food, live music and daily prize giving. Notice of Race and Entry forms downloadable from www.royalcork.com.

On the the final day of racing the Autumn Series dinner and overall prize giving will be held at the club commencing at 19.30hrs. As always, this event sells out very quickly so early booking is advisable.

Subject to availability, complimentary berthing on swinging moorings or marina berths will be provided to yachts visiting Crosshaven from Friday, September 19th to Monday, October 27th 2014. For berthing arrangements please contact Mark Ring at Royal Cork office 353(0)214831023.

Earlier this year, a long standing and very highly regarded member of the Royal Cork Yacht Club and Commodore of SCORA, Vincent O'Shea, passed away. Vinny as he was fondly known to alL, is greatly missed by all who had the great pleasure of knowing him and also those who sailed with him. Now the Royal Cork Yacht Club is delighted to advise that Vinny's family and the crew of his beloved Yanks and Ffrancs have come together to present the club with the Vinny O'Shea Perpetual Trophy to be awarded for the Boat of the Month over the Autumn Series. This magnificent trophy will be awarded this year and each following year to the best overall performing yacht in the Royal Cork Autumn Series. The club wishes to take this opportunity to thank Vinny's family and crew for presenting this wonderful trophy that will continue to honour the memory of a great man, friend and sailor for many years to come.

#rcyc – At yesterday's RCYC 'At Home' Regatta, Admiral Pat Lyons took the opportunity to highlight numerous Royal Cork YC championship winners from the Club in 2014 writes Claire Bateman. To underline this point, almost as Pat Lyons was speaking, a further winner was announced when top Cork Harbour youth Johnny Durcan lifted the 4.7 class title at the Irish Laser Nationals on Belfast Lough.

Racing started in a south westerly breeze for day two of MSL sponsored Regatta  With the sun shining in the morning, it produced sparkling sailing conditions for the National 18s who were having their South Coast Championships as part of at the At Home weekend.

Not so lucky were the dinghy fleets sailing on the Curlane Bank as the forecast cloud arrived overhead providing what photographers call slack light. The sun was there but behind the clouds. However, the stable breeze made for great racing on the day.

By the time the sailors had returned from racing the patchy mist and light rain had begun to make its presence felt but this did not deter them and the general attendance from enjoying the superb afternoon tea of sandwiches and scrumptious cakes aplenty and then on to enjoy the various activities. The children took the crab fishing competition very seriously and stood over the measurer, Stuart Daly while he carried out the onerous task of measuring the crabs while minding his fingers. There was face painting, a tug o war for the young sailors with the girls team showing their prowess to beat the boys. There was the serious business of the Boules match for former Admirals and the current Admiral, cheered on by the large attendance and then on to the prize giving.

Admiral Pat Lyons thanked the Sponsors, MSL Motor Group and he highlighted in his speech the number of championship winners from the club and pointed out that even today we had two further winners when Johnny Durcan won the 4.7 class at the Irish Laser Nationals. Rebecca O'Shaughnessy took First Lady in the 4.7 class and Cian Byrne took second place in the Radial Class.

The Admiral then presented all the many prizes and trophies with assistance from Rear Admiral Keelboats, Kieran O'Connell, and Rear Admiral Dinghies, Celine McGrath. Then at the conclusion of the prize giving as the rain and wind had become more pronounced and all the events had successfully taken place, the good humoured attendance started to make their way home having had a thoroughly enjoyable At Home at the club.

#rcyc – Once again Royal Cork Yacht Club is very proud to welcome back the prestigious sponsorship of the MSL Motor Group for the annual At Home Regatta weekend writes Claire Bateman. The club is looking particularly resplendent with the latest Mercedes models on display and with the Mercedes flags and colourful bunting throughout the grounds there is a particularly festive atmosphere around. The At Home weekend is one of the highlights of the year at the Royal Cork Yacht Club when members and their families gather to renew old acquaintances, meet new friends and simply to enjoy a great weekend.

All ten of the National 18s were sailing for the South Coast Championship and as usual they were going hell for leather with no quarter sought nor given. Over twenty cruisers including 1,2,3 and whitesail got in a great day of racing. While in the dinghy fleets there were four Fevas, five Toppers, five Lasers and more Optimists than one could count.

Prior to racing proper some of the younger sailors were brought out for practice in the river and given the wind strength they sailed with reefed sails, not a thing one would see very often. However, the highlight was to see the two Topaz dinghies named 'Christine' and 'Spellbound', so generously donated to the Club by Dr. Raymond Fielding, standing out in their performance ahead of the dinghy fleet.

Racing will continue tomorrow (Sun) and no doubt there will be a scramble ashore after racing to partake of the programme of festivity and to enjoy the usual scrumptious afternoon tea kindly organized by the Admiral's Lady Ann, and her band of willing helpers.

#420sailing – After nine great races on Dublin Bay, Royal Cork Yacht Club's Peter McCann and Arran Walsh claimed the 420 Nationals trophy last weekend writes Clodagh Lyttle. The teenagers sailed to victory in style, winning four races over the three day event hosted by the Royal St. George Yacht Club. 15 boats competed and seven of these were girls pairings. The fleet, aged between 14 and 18 enjoyed the courses set by PRO Richard Kissane. Full results downloadable below as a jpg file.
This result means that there are two homes in Crosshaven who have two National Champions in the family. Last week James McCann, Peter's brother won the Optimist Trophy and earlier this year Nick Walsh, Arran's dad won the Laser Masters Trophy.
McCann and Walsh managed to defeat the ISAF pair Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove who were 20th in the World Championships in Germany. Similarly Cliodhna Ni Shuillebhain and Jill McGinley won the Ladies Title overcoming Lizzie McDowell and Cara McDowell who came 16th in the ISAFs. The standard of sailing in the Irish 420 fleet is extremely high, as another pair Harry Whitaker and Grattan Roberts also had a great result when they came 20th at the Junior Europeans .
After the prizegiving, 420 coach Ross Killian, Arran Walsh and Bill Staunton took the ice bucket challenge, much to everyone's enjoyment. The 420 sailors prepared two huge wheelbarrows of iced water and poured it on their coach.
The next 420 event is the Leinsters in Wexford Harbour on 13th and 14th September.