Royal Cork Dinghy Fest Attracts 142–Boat Fleet For Cork Harbour Regatta

18th August 2015

#dinghyfest – This weekend's Cork Dinghy Fest already a triumph for the organisers with a confirmed entry of one hundred and forty two boats, expects the final figure to reach one hundred and sixty writes Claire Bateman. This of course is due in no small measure to the efforts of Royal Cork Yacht Club's, Kieran O'Connell, Rear Admiral Dinghies, Celine McGrath and Nicholas O'Leary, Director of Racing.

With ten fleets to race over four race areas, the Race Officials will certainly not have any time to relax.

On Thursday August 20th, the Mirrors will be the first to take to the waters of Cork Harbour. The Mirror Fleet , which had faded away somewhat in the Royal Cork Yacht Club in recent times, is undergoing a resurgence of interest and will be sailing their National Championships. Together with the Optimists they will sail in Group One with former RCYC Admiral, Kevin Lane, as Race Officer in 'Aisha' on the Curlane Bank.

Meanwhile, the race area off Currabinny, with Richard Leonard as Race Officer in 'Molia', will host Group Two to include the RS Fevas sailing their National Championships, the Toppers sailing their Southern Championships and a PY Dinghy Championship. Also sailing with the mixed dinghy fleet will be a most welcome visitor from the Royal Irish Yacht Club and one of the first to register for the event, Orla and Dermot OFlynns Water Wag 'Eva'

In the outer harbour Group Three will be in the care of another former RCYC Admiral, Peter Crowley, in 'Spare Time'. This group includes 420's and National Eighteens.

Finelly, last but certainly not least, comes Ciarán MacSweeney as Race Officer for the Outer Harbour West. He will be hosting the RS200 Euro Cup and Irish National Championships and the RS400 Southern Championships.

Speaking of the RS400, this seems to be the boat of the moment. It is a 14ft.10" Phil Morrison designed craft with a fully battened Mylar main sail and an asymmetrical spinnaker. There are thirty of these exciting boats entered and they have created a great aura of excitement on the circuit in recent times. With their Euro Cup coming up in September in Ballyholme they are certain to be in full fighting form to work up their performance even more and will provide exciting viewing.

Meanwhile, their smaller sister the 13ft. RS200 has an entry of eighteen for their Euro Cup and Nationals. The 200 of course is another Morrison design..

The third Phil Morrison boat, the flagship National Eighteen Ultra that will commence racing at 14.00 hrs Friday afternoon, has such an enthusiastic band of sailors competing they are eager to share the experience with other sailors. They have arranged an invitational for anyone who wishes to try out their superb new boats and have ferry arrangements in place to get sailors in and out to the boats. Also sailing on this course will be the still much loved National Eighteen Ultimates.

Of course it will not be all work and no play at this exciting event as a superb programme of entertainment has been arranged for each evening as well as excellent catering facilities. This is truly expected to live up to its name and be a real festival providing good racing, good entertainment, good food and most of all good camaraderie, and hoping to live up to the tradition of the Cork Dinghy Weeks of times past and to keep going into the future.

Published in Royal Cork YC

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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.