The Cork Harbour cruiser-racer fleet will race for the Titanic Trophy on Friday night at Cobh, which is the most suitable harbourside town to stage such a race as it was the last port-of-call before the ill-fated ship sank on April 15, 1912, in the North Atlantic. 123 passengers boarded at what was then called Queenstown, with only 44 of them surviving the sinking.
The Titanic race is organised by Cove Sailing Club and leads into the traditional two-day Cobh People's Regatta this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 17 and 18.
As well as Cove SC, the Royal Cork Yacht Club cruiser fleet will support the race.
This was one of the main European Regattas at the end of the last century, with racing yachts coming to Cobh from other countries to compete with local boats from the Royal Cork Yacht Club. The tradition continues with sailing, rowing and other watersports events included in the programme. It is one of the oldest regattas in Ireland, always held in the middle of August.
"It is one of the oldest regattas in Ireland, always held in the middle of August"
"Last year's Regatta was the biggest and best our island of Cobh has ever seen," according to the organising committee. It cost €42,000 to stage, and funds are being raised for this year's event, including onshore entertainment and those on the water. The Promenade stage in the centre of the town will be the main location, with market stalls, a circus workshop and fire performance scheduled, a fancy dress parade and children's and musical entertainment.
A Cork Harbour Rankin Dinghy Photo: Bob Bateman
Dinghy racing will start on Saturday at 1.45 pm, with the famous Rankin Dinghies Revival Race scheduled for 2 pm. More racing will be on Sunday, including a cruiser race for all classes. First Gun at 1400.
A Wooden Boat Class Race is scheduled for 7 pm, with the traditional closing Fireworks Display at 10 pm.
The traditional two-day Cobh People's Regatta this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 17 and 18
