Volvo Cork Week to feature European Championship race for first time

Nearly 90 yachts are already confirmed to enter this year’s Volvo Cork Week — a noticeable increase on when the event was last held two years ago.

The arrival of the crews will provide an economic boost for the Cork area, especially around Crosshaven, as the event is being hosted by Royal Cork Yacht Club.

The regatta, which takes place from July 10 to 15, will feature a European championship race for the first time — the Irish Quarter Tonner National Championship and the inaugural Beaufort Cup.

The IRC (International Rule Club) European Championship, which is a handicapping system, is attracting new teams from overseas of a very high standard.

It will be the first time the event has been held in Europe and will now become an annual competition.

The organisers say the Beaufort Cup invites sailing teams from their associated national services, 50% of each team must be active in the service they represent.

Racing will take place over five days in a mix of offshore and inshore courses. The winning team will also have €10,000 donated to a nominated charity.

Royal Cork’s Anthony O’Leary, who has enjoyed tremendous success with his Ker 40 Antix, said the hosting of the first IRC European Championship is an inspirational move by the sailing committee, the Royal Cork Yacht Club, and the Royal Ocean Racing Club.

“To have the championship in Cork is fantastic and I am sure it is the perfect venue for what IRC is all about. There is a massive variety of courses; plenty of windward leeward but also reaching and running legs, and you never know what the Harbour Course has in store. If you sat down with a blank piece of paper to design the best courses for an IRC regatta, Volvo Cork Week has been providing it for years,” Mr O’Leary said.

Tony Langley’s TP52 Gladiator is currently the fastest yacht pencilled in to compete at Cork Week.

However, British entrepreneur Tony Langley will not be at the helm of Gladiator. That honour will instead fall to his son, Bernard.

Conor Phelan’s Ker 37 ‘Jump Juice’ has been extremely successful at Volvo Cork Week, winning its class in 2010 and runner up in 2012 and 2014.

“I have to come every regatta. I enjoy the competition, the professional race management, variety of courses, the onshore entertainment and the camaraderie,” he said.

“It is really tough to win your class at Volvo Cork Week as all the good boats and best sailors are there.”