Nieulargo, Knot on Call, North Star and Swuzzlebubble Among Class Winners at RCYC Autumn League

27th October 2025

Afloat.ie Team

Following the final results of the Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC) Autumn League, two vintage Royal Cork boats claimed top national honours in the ICRA Boat of the Year Award, with David and James Dwyer's Farr Half Tonner Swuzzlebubble (above) retaining the IRC Boat of the Year title for a third year. Credit: Bob Bateman

In one of the first Autumn leagues in many years to complete a full schedule, Sunday's last two races of Royal Cork Yacht Club's 2025 edition produced the overall winners in a 37-boat fleet, sailed across 13 spinnaker and non-spinnaker divisions supported by McWilliam Sailbags & CH Marine.

The league's conclusion also decided the Irish Cruiser Racer Association's Boats of the Year Award, with both accolades won by Cork Harbour yachts: Dave and James Dwyer's Half tonner Swuzzlebubble, retaining the IRC prize, and Pat Tanner's three-quarter tonner Bataleur 88, the ECHO handicap victor.

There was a six–nine knot easterly and a relatively calm sea state off Cork Harbour for the final days' races, delivering close duels throughout the fleets and some shared overall victories after ten races with two discards applied.

The in-harbour courses for the final races of the Royal Cork Yacht Club Autumn League 2025 in Cork Harbour Photo: Bob Bateman

Nieulargo and Artful Dodger Level in Spin IRC 1 (9 entries)

Denis Murphy & Annamarie Fegan’s Nieulargo (Grand Soleil 40, RCYC) (pictured in action above and at the prizegiving below) were the Spinnaker IRC One winners of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's successful 2025 Autumn League. Photo: Bob Bateman

Denis Murphy & Annamarie Fegan’s Nieulargo (Grand Soleil 40, RCYC) and Frinbarr O’Regan’s Artful Dodger (J109, KYC) share the top of the leaderboard on 13 points apiece after a highly competitive campaign. Third goes to Bateleur ’88 (Castro 3/4 Ton, RCYC), owned by Pat Tanner, on 25.

Crosbie Controls Spin IRC 2 (6 entries)

Andrew Crosbie’s Knot on Call (Etchells, RCYC) (pictured in action above and at the prizegiving below) was the Spinnaker IRC Two winner of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's successful 2025 Autumn League. Photo: Bob Bateman

Knot on Call (Etchells, RCYC), owned by Andrew Crosbie, takes the overall win on 9 points. The runner-up spot goes to Michael McCann’s Don’t Dilly Dally (Etchells, RCYC) on 14, with Swuzzlebubble (1/2 Ton Farr, RCYC) of James Dwyer in third on 22.

Young Holds Off Roses in Spin IRC 3 (7 entries)

Fiona Young’s North Star (Albin Express, RCYC) (pictured in action above and at the prizegiving below) was the Spinnaker IRC Three winner of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's successful 2025 Autumn League. Photo: Bob Bateman

North Star (Albin Express, RCYC), owned by Fiona Young, finishes on 12 points to secure the title. Barry & Marina Rose’s Obsession (Albin Express, RCYC) is second on 15.5, while Diamond (1/4 Ton Dubois, RCYC/KYC) of Kieran Kelleher & Colman Garvey takes third with 18.5.

Tanner Tops Spin Echo 1 (8 entries)

Pat Tanner’s Bateleur ’88 (Castro 3/4 Ton, RCYC) (pictured in action above and at the prizegiving below) was the Spinnaker Echo One winner of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's successful 2025 Autumn League. Photo: Bob Bateman

Bateleur ’88 records a consistent ECHO performance to finish first on 19 points. Nieulargo is second on 22, with Artful Dodger in third on 25.

Lawlors Lead the Way in Spin Echo 2 (6 entries)

Gavin & Grace Lawlor’s Genesis (Elan 333, KYC) (pictured in action above and at the prizegiving below) were the Spinnaker Echo Two winners of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's successful 2025 Autumn League. Photo: Bob Bateman

Genesis (Elan 333, KYC), owned by Gavin & Grace Lawlor, wins comfortably on 10 points. Crosbie’s Knot on Call finishes second on 21, while Grin & Bear It (Elan 31, RCYC) lies third on 23.

Good’s Summer Light Shines in Spin Echo 3 (7 entries)

Derry & Patrick Good’s Summer Light (Laser 28, RCYC) (pictured in action above and at the prizegiving below) were the Spinnaker Echo Three winners of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's successful 2025 Autumn League. Photo: Bob Bateman

Summer Light (Laser 28, RCYC), owned by Derry & Patrick Good, claims the title on 12 points. Young’s North Star finishes second on 26.5, and Obsession of the Roses takes third with 27.

McGrath's Edge Non-Spin IRC 1 (10 entries)

Frank & Celine McGrath’s Big Mc (Dehler 34, RCYC) (pictured in action above and at the prizegiving below) were the Non-Spinnaker IRC One winners of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's successful 2025 Autumn League. Photo: Bob BatemanFrank & Celine McGrath’s Big Mc (Dehler 34, RCYC) (pictured in action above and at the prizegiving below) were the Non-Spinnaker IRC One winners of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's successful 2025 Autumn League. Photo: Bob Bateman

Big Mc (Dehler 34, RCYC), owned by Frank & Celine McGrath, secures victory on 14 points. Apache (Albin Express, KYC) of Alan Mulcahy finishes second on 16, with Anteex (X99, RCYC) of Dan Murphy & James O’Mahoney third on 22.

Collins Takes Non-Spin IRC 2 (6 entries)

Kieran Collins’ If (Int Folkboat, RCYC) (pictured in action above and at the prizegiving below) was the Non-Spinnaker IRC Two winner of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's successful 2025 Autumn League. Photo: Bob Bateman

If (International Folkboat, RCYC), owned by Kieran Collins, completes the series on 10 points for the overall win. Sean Hanley’s Luas (HB31, RCYC) is just behind on 12, while White Knight (Impala 28, CSC) of Rory McPhail takes third with 23.

Big Mc Does the Double in Non-Spin Echo 1 (11 entries)

The McGraths add a second trophy with Big Mc again on top — this time under ECHO — finishing on 19 points. Anteex takes another podium in second on 23, and Cavatina (Granada 38, RCYC) of Ian Hickey secures third on 29.

Rider Clear in Non-Spin Echo 2 (9 entries)

Mike Rider’s Freya (Dehler 37 CR, RCYC) (pictured in action above and at the prizegiving below) was the Non-Spinnaker Echo Two winner of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's successful 2025 Autumn League. Photo: Bob Bateman

Freya (Dehler 37 CR, RCYC), owned by Mike Rider, wins on 15.5 points. Hanley’s Luas is second on 18 and Lapwing (Sun Odyssey 34.2, RCYC) of Conor Hanlon finishes third with 24.

IRC CR: Nieulargo and Artful Dodger Share Spin IRC CR 1 (8 entries)

It was another dead heat between Nieulargo and Artful Dodger in the IRC Coastal division — level on 13 points each — while Bateleur ’88 completes the podium on 23.

Dwyer Dominates Spin IRC CR 2 (4 entries)

James Dwyer’s Swuzzlebubble (RCYC) posted an outstanding near-clean sweep to finish on 8 nett points. Grin & Bear It is second on 20, and Ellida (X332, RCYC) of Ria Lyden takes third on 23.

All provisional results below.

Read all Afloat's 2025 weekly league coverage in this link here

Race Results

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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.