Drama on and off the water

There was drama on and off the water during the second day of competitive sailing at Cork Week yesterday, with as much excitement on land as offshore.

In the morning, the frenzy of racing came to a head in more ways than one when two boats collided. Crosshaven lifeboat was launched and the Civil Defence was also on hand with a medical team but, luckily, none was needed and the only injury was to sailing hardware and sailors’ pride.

It wasn’t the only close encounter on the tight Olympic and Trapezoid courses but the only one to involve physical contact.

The onshore excitement was generated by three members of the Munster rugby team — Scott Deasy, son of the admiral of the Royal Cork Yacht Club Peter Deasy, Billy Holland, and Ian Nagle, who were on hand at an event sponsored by Timberland, the US-based manufacturer and seller of rugged outdoor fashion wear.

Scott would relish the prospect of sailing at Cork Week, but rugby commitments did not allow on this occasion.

“My dad has been sailing all week but I haven’t had the chance and we have hardly seen each other. In fact, I haven’t sailed in Cork Week since I was about 16, and it could well be another ten years before I get to do it again.”

Event chairman Pat Lyons describes this year’s event as a “triumph of optimism over experience”. Whatever the weather, he and his committee of volunteers work hard to ensure the success of the biennial event which is hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club. Founded in 1720, the club is the world’s oldest.

Pat has raced at Cork Week over the years and this is his first time chairing the event.

“It can be a bit of a poisoned chalice because it dominates your life for so long but it is also a great honour. Last September I was asked by the incoming admiral, Peter Deasy, to take it on and it has been all-go ever since. It is fantastic, though, to work with such an enthusiastic and hardworking bunch of people.”

One of the innovations this year was the inclusion of a weekend family event, All Aboard, which proved to be a tremendous success. “It was lovely to see so many young people here and that is very important for our club, because they are our future.”

It also served to give the lie to the notion that sailing is only for the wealthy and that the RCYC is full of stuffed shirts. “Everyone, especially the local people in Crosshaven, that we are not a stuffy bunch.

“There is no doubt that in the past there was an exclusivity about the club but that has all gone and anyone with an interest and passion for sailing will find that it is a very accessible sport.”

It can be a challenge, though — and not just on the water. Onshore activities can be just as strenuous. One not-so-young and not-so-serious sailor was nursing a sore head yesterday that even a trip around the harbour couldn’t cure. “I’ll have to go for a bit of a kip for an hour or so,” he moaned. “Otherwise I won’t be up to another night of it.” He even had a theory as to why Cork Week only comes around every two years. “At my age, it takes me that long to recover.”