Plans in place for Yacht race stopover

PREPARATIONS are under way for the arrival in Kinsale and Cork city next month of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race for its first stopover in Europe since it departed Britain last September.

The project is sponsored by Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Fáilte Ireland with the principle objective of building Cork brand awareness internationally.

Kinsale has developed a very exciting programme which highlights what Kinsale does best – arts, cultural, cuisine and good craic. The festival will kick off on July 2 to ensure a warm welcome for the 180 crew when they arrive. An artisan food and craft fair will run for the whole weekend and Kinsale Arts Week will run STOPOVER, an exhibition of an artwork from each of the regions participating in the Clipper Race.

Other activities that Kinsale will host include national and international performers and music acts, Adventures of the Seven Seas Parade on Sunday and a unique Clipper book project which will be held in Kinsale Town Library whereby everyone who visits can make an entry in the book.

Cork County Mayor, Cllr Derry Canty said: “When I participated in the start of the Clipper Race in Hull last September, I was amazed at the courage of the crew taking on this challenge and now we are looking forward to welcoming them back safely to Kinsale after an incredible 10 month journey.”

On Wednesday, July 7, the fleet will make its way in a parade of sail to Cork city. Albert Quay beside the Custom House will be transformed into a Race Village for three days with food, drinks and crafts stalls and a large stage for musical acts such as Cork favourites John Spillane and Fred. Each day there will be street entertainment and a vintage carousel and amusements for all the family.

The Clipper fleet will be moored at the new Cork city pontoons at the Custom House which have been installed by the Port of Cork with assistance from the city council.