The annual Cobh to Blackrock Race in Cork Harbour will be sailed this Saturday, with a number of changes from previous years, including the return of dinghies with the support of Monkstown Bay SC to Cove Sailing Club, the overall race organisers.

First Gun for Dinghies will be at 2 p.m.; Spinnaker Cruiser Classes 1, 2 and 3 will start together at 2.20 p.m.; Whitesails, racing under ECHO handicap only, at 2.30 p.m. and a new ‘Traditional Rally’ class at 2.40 p.m.

The Start line is at Cobh. Finishing for cruisers at Blackrock Castle and for dinghies at Blackrock Pier. Race channel VHF 69.

Cruiser-racers competing in the 2021 Cobh to Blackrock Race in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

There is an entry fee for the first time, €15 per boat, to be donated to the RNLI. Cove SC says there will not be individual Class Prizes this year, overall 1st place trophies only, a donation being made instead to the RNLI.

The Cove Club is making a strong effort to return the social aspect of the race for families, which had declined somewhat with the concentration on racing as part of the South Coast calendar in recent years. This will, doubtless, be welcome by non-racing cruiser sailors. There is also a reduction in the number of prizes which, the club says, will facilitate a donation to the RNLI.

 

“We are delighted to announce that Dinghy racing will return to the Blackrock Race this year; our ‘Traditional Rally RNLI Class’ is for families and friends to take part, for all types of sailing yachts. This is not a formal race incorporating handicaps. The winner of the rally will be decided by the Race Committee on the day. 

A Hawk 20, a 20ft self-righting, self‑draining, shallow-draft, centre-board, sea going dayboat, competing in the 2021 Cobh to Blackrock race. The hope is smaller dinghies will join this year's race. Photo: Bob Bateman

Cove Sailing Club has issued a detailed statement about the race arrangements:

“This annual event is always a highlight of our sailing and social calendar on Saturday 10th of September. This year we are delighted to support the RNLI and decided to introduce a modest entry fee of €15.00 per boat, with the total amount going directly to the RNLI. Each boat that enters will be included in a draw at this year’s prize giving for some fantastic prizes.

“The race will feature many different class bands to ensure all boats have tight racing within their class and also an opportunity to win the highly coveted overall trophies. For the kites division, we will be scoring the event under IRC only, and for the White sail class, we will be scoring under ECHO Standard only.

“The prizegiving will be held at “Tequila Jacks Bar and Restaurant outside on their fantastic boardwalk as soon as possible after racing. We have decided this year to donate to the RNLI instead of individual prizes throughout the classes. Winners will be awarded trophies.

“We are delighted to announce that Dinghy racing will return to the Blackrock race this year, and a massive amount of thanks to Monkstown Bay Sailing Club’s commodore Sandy, who will this year take the lead and help ensure we have an excellent race for the dinghies.

“As in previous years, we encourage all boats to take part in the event, and our “RNLI” rally class is an excellent way for families and friends to take part. This class is for all types of sailing yachts and is a great way to participate. A formal start will occur in front of Cobh, and boats will sail up to the finish area in Blackrock. It is worth noting that this is not a formal race incorporating handicaps, and the winner of the rally will be decided by the race committee on the day. So please come along and support the fantastic work done by the RNLI.

“With many boats on the water, it is vital that we receive all entries as early as possible and before the deadline to ensure that we can deliver quick and efficient results on the day.

Sailing instructions and further details will be available.

Prior entry for all classes, cruisers and dinghies, is needed on Cove SC website