A drifting mark off the Old Head of Kinsale upset the opening day of the Sovereigns Cup yesterday where 101-boats have gathered to decide the biennial trophy event.

AS Cork Week enters its finale today, the traditional programme of races has been altered by yesterday’s near gale conditions off Roche’s Point.

DOMESTIC entries have held strong despite the economic downturn as Cork Week prepares to begin racing off Roche’s Point this morning. Irish boats account for more than half the official entry list in contrast to previous years when overseas boats would account for as much as 80% of the turnout.

THE open waters surrounding Roche’s Point are often cited as one of the draws of Cork Week, with direct comparisons made to the busy shipping channels and leisure waterways that throng the Solent.