Disney-owned racing yacht facing Morning Glory as it straps on for Irish journey

ONE of the world’s top hi-tech racing yachts is on its way to Cork this weekend, but it won’t be sailing under its own power.

The Pyewacket, which is owned by Roy Disney, nephew of the late Walt, is strapped on board a container ship which is making its way across the Atlantic from Bermuda.

It is expected to arrive at the mouth of Cork Harbour next Friday where it will be winched into the water.

During Cork Week it will renew battle with arch-rival Morning Glory, an equally impressive multi-million euro vessel which is owned by German industrialist Hasso Plattner.

The latter is 2-1 up this year in its MaxZ86 class events and Roy Disney will be hoping that throughout the five days of racing he can level the score.

Doing so won’t come cheap, as International Yachting Jury member David Maher explained.

“The sail alone for one of these vessels costs in the region of $500,000. Each will have a crew of up to 25.

“Some of them will be Olympic medallists while others are America’s Cup winners,” Mr Maher said.

The two yachts will be some of the fastest ever seen in Cork waters, capable of more than 20 knots.

The latest in technology, they are 86ft long and have canting keels. Already this year they have raced at the St Maarten Heineken Regatta in March and the Antigua Regatta in April and just days ago in Bermuda.

Some of the shore crew of the Pyewacket have already arrived in Crosshaven and have brought a couple of 40ft- long containers packed with spares.

“We are very honoured to have both yachts racing here. They have chosen Cork for their European debut ahead of Cowes (Isle of Wight) and Sardinia,” Mr Maher said.

More than 540 vessels will take part in 18 classes of races which get underway on Monday week and continue for five days.