Sailors to row in for Sovereign’s Cup at Cork regatta
Kinsale Yacht Club is to host this year’s Sovereign’s Cup from June 24 to 27 which is expected to boost the local economy by around €750,000.
The ICRA Nationals and Sovereign’s Cup was launched by Marine Minister Simon Coveney who highlighted the importance of marine leisure.
The four-day event will decide four national titles as well as the coveted Sovereign’s Cup, ensuring close competition in each class.
Already, 80 boats have registered and the figure is expected to exceed 100 over the next two months.
At least 10 crews have entered from Britain with several cruising boats making plans to stay in the West Cork area after the regatta, as Kinsale marks the start of the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Sovereign’s Cup trophy is a revival of a centuries-old tradition when the ‘Sovereign of Kinsale’ presented a trophy for the fastest sailing craft of the time.
However, the modern-era regatta is named after the large rocks that overlook the racing area offshore and has been held biennially since 1995.
County mayor Cllr Alan Coleman said Cork County Council was delighted to be one of the main sponsors of this international event. “It affords us an opportunity to be associated with showcasing Kinsale, a major tourism and sailing centre of excellence both at home and abroad,” he said. “The regetta also promotes Kinsale as a base to tour the Cork section of the Wild Atlantic Way both on land and sea.”
Regatta director Mike Walsh said organisers are particularly pleased with the strength and depth of the early entries this year which promises a great series.
https://www.sovereignscup.com
