Royal Cork Yacht Club Return to New York For Invitational Cup Challenge

20th January 2015

#royalcork – Ireland's Royal Cork Yacht Club is among returning Invitational Cup competitors to Newport, Rhode Island taking aim at two-time Champs from The Royal Canadian Yacht Club.

Of the 19 yacht clubs, from 11 countries, that will gather September 12 to 19 at the New York Yacht Club at Harbour Court for the fourth New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup presented by Rolex, only one is making its debut appearance. A third of the clubs will be competing in the premiere Corinthian big boat competition for the fourth time including Ireland under the captaincy of Commodore's Cup winning skipper Anthony O'Leary from Crosshaven.

"The number of clubs asking to return is the best indication that the New York Yacht Club's initial vision of a global yacht club championship for amateur sailors has come to fruition, in spades, with this event. " says NYYC Commodore Rives Potts. "It also means the fourth edition of the Invitational Cup will be the most competitive ever, as all but one of the teams competing have seen first-hand what it takes to succeed."

With a second in the inaugural event in 2009 and then wins in 2011 and 2013, the team from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto, Canada, led by former America's Cup helmsman and Olympic medalist Terry McLaughlin, has set the standard for success in this event. But the Canadian crew was pushed to the wire in 2013 by teams from Larchmont (N.Y.) Yacht Club and England's Royal Thames Yacht Club.

"In 2013, we almost sailed ourselves out of the regatta on the first day," says McLaughlin. "More and more teams are taking time to practice in the Swan 42. I have heard about some teams taking their preparation to a higher level for 2015.

"The NYYC Invitational Cup is a very unique event," he continues. "The regatta is run extremely well both on and off the water. It gives us a great opportunity to see sailing friends from many different countries that we haven't seen in many years and also to meet new international friends."

One of the reasons the Invitational Cup is such an popular competition is that it is one of the truest one-design regattas for large boats. The New York Yacht Club Swan 42s used for the regatta are identical, all built by the Nautor boatyard in Finland. But the Invitational Cup goes further than a traditional one-design event. The sails and running rigging are provided, ensuring no team has an equipment edge. Additionally the boats are identically equipped and the rigging tension is standardized throughout the fleet.

As a result, the racing is extremely close; it's not unusual to see the entire fleet round the first mark tip to tail. Mistakes, especially during the start, on the first leg or while rounding a mark, can be extremely costly. And few teams are ever truly out of a race.

As tense as the competition can be on the water, ashore it's a celebration of a shared passion for yachting. The New York Yacht Club, along with presenting sponsor Rolex and other regatta partners, aims to provide the sailors and their friends and family, with a unique, first-class social experience. Each day after racing, competitors gather on the lawn of Harbour Court to renew old acquaintances, make new ones and relive the day's action.

The regatta also prides itself on its comprehensive media plan. In 2015, this will include daily videos, live regatta coverage and an active social media presence. "We're always pleasantly surprised at the number of people from each participating club that follow this event in real time, no matter what hour it is at home," says event chairperson Patti Young. "This year we plan to give them—and any sailing fan interested in top amateur competition—even more reason to tune in."

Competing Teams, 2015 New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup presented by Rolex: Eastern Yacht Club (Marblehead, Mass.), Itchenor Sailing Club (GBR), Japan Sailing Federation, Middle Harbour Yacht Club* (AUS), New York Yacht Club, Newport Harbor (Calif.) Yacht Club, Real Club Nautico de Barcelona (ESP), The Royal Canadian Yacht Club, Royal Cork Yacht Club (IRL), Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (CHN), The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (AUS), Royal Southern Yacht Club (GBR), Royal Swedish Yacht Club, Royal Thames Yacht Club (GBR), Royal Yacht Squadron (GBR), Seattle Yacht Club, Yacht Club Argentino (ARG), Yacht Club Capri (ITA) and Yacht Club Italiano (ITA).
*First-time Invitational Cup Competitor

Published in New York Invitational Cup, Royal Cork YC

Published in New York Invitational Cup

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Royal Cork Yacht Club

Royal Cork Yacht Club lays claim to the title of the world's oldest yacht club, founded in 1720.

It is currently located in Crosshaven, Co. Cork, Ireland and is Cork Harbour’s largest yacht club and the biggest sailing club on the south coast of Ireland.

The club has an international reputation for the staging of sailing events most notable the biennial world famous Cork Week Regatta.

In 2020 RCYC celebrated its tricentenary under its Admiral Colin Morehead.

Royal Cork Yacht Club FAQs

What is the Royal Cork Yacht Club?

The Royal Cork Yacht Club is the oldest yacht club in the world, and celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2020. It is one of the World’s leading yacht clubs, and is in the forefront of all branches of sailing activity. It is the organiser of the biennial Cork Week, widely regarded as Europe’s premier sailing event. It has hosted many National, European and World Championships. Its members compete at the highest level in all branches of sailing, and the club has a number of World, Olympic, continental and national sailors among its membership.

Where is the Royal Cork Yacht Club based?

The Royal Cork Yacht club is in Crosshaven, Co Cork, a village on lower Cork Harbour some 20km south-east of Cork city centre and on the Owenabue river that flows into Cork Harbour.

When was the Royal Cork Yacht Club founded?

The club was founded as The Water Club of the Harbour of Cork in 1720, in recognition of the growing popularity of private sailing following the Restoration of King Charles II. The monarch had been known to sail a yacht on the Thames for pleasure, and his interest is said to have inspired Murrough O’Brien, the 6th Lord Inchiquin — who attended his court in the 1660s and whose grandson, William O’Brien, the 9th Lord Inchiquin, founded the club with five friends.Originally based on Haulbowline Island in inner Cork Harbour, the club moved to nearby Cobh (then Cove) in 1806, and took on its current name in 1831. In 1966 the club merged with the Royal Munster Yacht Club and moved to its current premises in Crosshaven.

What does the Royal Cork Yacht Club do?

The Royal Cork Yacht Club today encompasses a wide variety of sailing activities, from young kids in their Optimist dinghies sailing right through the winter months to the not-so-young kids racing National 18s and 1720s during the remaining nine months. There is also enthusiastic sailing in Toppers, Lasers, RS Fevas and other dinghies. The larger keelboats race on various courses set in and around the Cork Harbour area for club competitions. They also take part in events such as the Round Ireland Race, Cowes Week and the Fastnet Race. In many far off waters, right across the globe, overseas club members proudly sail under the Royal Cork burger. The club has a significant number of cruising members, many of whom are content to sail our magnificent south and west coasts. Others head north for the Scottish islands and Scandinavia. Some go south to France, Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean. The more adventurous have crossed the Atlantic, explored little known places in the Pacific and Indian Oceans while others have circumnavigated the globe.

Who are the flag officers of the Royal Cork Yacht Club?

As of November 2020, the Admiral of the Royal Cork Yacht Club is Colin Morehead, with Kieran O’Connell as Vice-Admiral. The club has three Rear-Admirals: Annamarie Fegan for Dinghies, Daragh Connolly for Keelboats and Mark Rider for Cruising.

How many members does the Royal Cork Yacht Club have?

As of November 2020, the Royal Cork Yacht Club has approximately 1,800 members.

What are the Royal Cork Yacht Club’s burgee and ensign?

The Royal Cork Yacht Club’s burgee is a red pennant with the heraldic badge of Ireland (a stylised harp topped with a crown) at its centre. The club’s ensign has a navy blue field with the Irish tricolour in its top left corner and the heraldic badge centred on its right half.

Does the Royal Cork Yacht Club organise racing?

Yes, the Royal Cork Yacht Club organises and runs sailing events and courses for members and visitors all throughout the year and has very active keelboat and dinghy racing fleets. The club also hosts many National, European and World Championships, as well as its biennial Cork Week regatta — widely regarded as Europe’s premier sailing event.

Does the Royal Cork Yacht Club cater for youth sailing?

Yes, the Royal Cork Yacht Club has an active junior section with sailing in Optimists, Toppers and other dinghies.

Does the Royal Cork Yacht Club cater for sail training?

Charles Yes, the Royal Cork Yacht Club regularly runs junior sailing courses covering basic skills, certified by Irish Sailing.

What sailing classes does the Royal Cork Yacht Club host?

The Royal Cork hosts both keelboats and dinghies, with the 1720 Sportsboat — the club’s own design — and National 18 among its most popular. Optimists and Toppers are sailed by juniors, and the club regularly sees action in Lasers, RS Fevas, 29ers and other dinghy classes.

Does the Royal Cork Yacht Club have its own fleet?

The Royal Cork Yacht Club has a small fleet of 1720 Sportsboats available for ordinary members to charter.

What facilities does the Royal Cork Yacht Club have?

The Royal Cork Yacht Club’s Club House office can provide phone, fax, email, internet and mail holding facilities for a small charge. Club merchandise and postcards may be purchased. Showers and toilet facilities are available 24 hours a day, free of charge. Parking is plentiful and free of charge. Diesel and petrol are available on site. Marina berths are generally available for a fee payable in advance; arrangements must be made before arrival.

Does the Royal Cork Yacht Club have a bar and/or dining facilities?

Yes, the Royal Cork Yacht Club’s Club House has all of the usual facilities, including bars and restaurant, which are open during normal licensing hours. The restaurant provides a full range of meals, and sandwiches, snacks etc, are available on request.

What are the opening hours of the Royal Cork Yacht Club?

Normal working hours during the sailing season at the Royal Cork Yacht Club are 9am to 9pm daily. For enquiries contact the RCYC office on 021 483 1023 or email [email protected]

Does the Royal Cork Yacht Club host functions such as weddings, parties or corporate events?

Yes, the Royal Cork Yacht Club caters for all types of events rom weddings, anniversaries, christenings and birthday celebrations to corporate meetings, breakfast meetings, luncheons, private dinners and more. For enquiries contact the Royal Cork Yacht Club office on 021 483 1023 or email [email protected]

How do I become a member of the Royal Cork Yacht Club?

New members are invited to apply for membership of the Royal Cork Yacht Club by completing the Nomination Form (available from www.royalcork.com/membership) and returning it to The Secretary, Royal Cork Yacht Club, Crosshaven Co Cork. Nominations are first approved by the Executive Committee at its next meeting, and following a period on display for the members, and are reviewed again at the following meeting at which any objections are considered.

Do I need to own a boat to become a member of the Royal Cork Yacht Club?

No; while ordinary members of the Royal Cork Yacht Club are usually boat owners, there is no requirement to own a boat when submitting an application for membership.

How much does it cost to join the Royal Cork Yacht Club?

The annual feel for ordinary members (aged 30+) of the Royal Cork Yacht Club is €645. Family membership (two full members and all children aged 29 and under) is €975, while individuals youth (ages 19-29) and cadet (18 and under) memberships are €205. Other rates are available for seniors, associates and more. All fees quoted are as of the 2020 annual subscription rates.