The Notice of Race for the upcoming Quarter Ton Cup in Crosshaven, County Cork, July (13–15, 2023) has been released by Royal Cork Yacht Club and marks the return of the Cup to Cork Harbour for the first time in 36 years.
The event will be based on three-day windward/leeward race courses. The NOR also states that at least three races will be held daily.
The large Quarter Ton fleet from the south coast of England is anticipated to visit the Cork Harbour race track, and it's also anticipated that the harbour's active fleet will compete.
As Afloat reported earlier, the event's awarding to RCYC follows a resurgence in Quarter Ton interest in Crosshaven over the past few seasons.
Quarter Ton racing in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman
Recalling 1987's Cork Quarter Ton Cup
Many veteran Cork sailors recall the "J Class" from the 1960s, which changed into the "1/4 Ton" fleet in the 1970s and 1980s.
The class has a long history with Cork Harbour. Back then, the foundations of the fleet were Ruffians, Sadler 25s, Manzanita, Starflash, and Bolero designs.
For a specific group of RCYC members who competed in the same event back in 1987, the return of the class has brought back some exciting memories from late August and early September of that year.
The "Offshore Race," which saw the 25-boat fleet travel from Crosshaven to the Bulman off Kinsale, then out to the Gas Rigs (in the dark), before returning to Kinsale and Cork Harbour, is the memory that is recalled the most.
For the 24' boats of the time, it was a difficult race with a lot of wind and high waves competing overnight with just four crew members and without the aid of modern GPS.
The Notice of Race is available and is downloadable below. Entry is now available online here
