Permanent pontoon to harbour racers

A NEW permanent pontoon will be built in the Port of Cork within weeks to facilitate the arrival of the round-the-world yacht race.

The 100-metre pontoon will be built on the river Lee at South Custom House Quay, near the Port of Cork offices.

It will be in place for the arrival of the Clipper ’09-’10 fleet, which is sailing around the world due to arrive in Kinsale between July 1 and 4.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht fleet will then sail in to Cork city and berth at the pontoon on July 7 for a quay-side festival.

The vessels will depart the city on July 9 for the next leg of the race to the Netherlands.

The sponsors of the race’s Cork vessel, Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Fáilte Ireland, are finalising a programme of entertainment for the eight-day stopover.

The pontoons will be left in place as a new mooring facility for leisure craft to visit the city – a permanent legacy from the race stopover.

The Port of Cork’s harbour master Pat Farnan said the 100-metre pontoon is part of the Port of Cork’s recreational strategy.

“The pontoons will open up the city quays for leisure craft and visiting boats and will remain a permanent fixture for the city,” he said.

“The Port of Cork is delighted to launch the pontoons in conjunction with Clipper and we look forward to welcoming the fleet to Cork in July.”

City manager Joe Gavin said the fleet’s visit will be a marvellous occasion.

“The city council is delighted to partner the Port authorities in providing new permanent pontoons which will be a lasting amenity for the city,” he said.

“The pontoons will provide facilities for visiting boats and will greatly help the running of events like the Lee Swim and the Ocean to City Traditional Rowing Race.”