Rankin 'Worlds' Postponed as Weather Forces Delay

25th June 2026

Tom MacSweeney

Harbour Heritage — The traditional Rankin dinghy fleet races off Cobh in Cork Harbour. This weekend's Rankin 'Worlds' have been postponed due to an adverse weather forecast, with the championship now rescheduled for 29–30 August Credit: Bob Bateman

The Rankin Dinghy 'Worlds' scheduled for this weekend in Cork Harbour have been postponed because forecast weather conditions were considered too severe for the fleet.

Organisers said the decision followed discussions with the Officer of the Day. Although the forecast had improved slightly, conditions were still judged unsuitable given the mix of sailor experience, the number of boats entered and the traditional nature of the Rankin class.

The championship has been rescheduled for 29–30 August, with organisers thanking the Royal Cork Yacht Club for accommodating the new dates.

In a statement, the Rankin Class said postponing the event was disappointing after extensive preparations but described it as "the right decision" to ensure a safe, competitive and enjoyable regatta for all competitors.

Published in Rankin Dinghy

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Rankin

About The Author

Tom MacSweeney

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Tom MacSweeney writes a column for Afloat.ie. He is former RTE Marine Correspondent/Presenter of Seascapes and has a monthly Seascapes Podcast on the Community Radio Network and Podcast services

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The Rankin Dinghy of Cobh, Cork Harbour

A Rankin is a traditional wooden dinghy which was built in Cobh, of which it’s believed there were 80 and of which The Rankin Dinghy Group has traced nearly half.

The name of the Rankin dinghies is revered in Cork Harbour and particularly in the harbourside town of Cobh.

And the name of one of those boats is linked to the gunboat which fought against the Irish Volunteers during the 1916 Easter Rising and later for the emergent Irish Free State Government against anti-Treaty Forces during the Irish Civil War.

It also links the renowned boat-building Rankin family in Cobh, one of whose members crewed on the gunboat.

Maurice Kidney and Conor English are driving the restoration of the Rankin dinghies in Cork Harbour. They have discovered that Rankins were bought and sailed in several parts of the country.