Regatta makes waves in Kinsale

KINSALE will benefit to the tune of €2.5 million as the Sovereign’s Cup Regatta gets underway today.

An alternative to Ford Cork Week, the Sovereign’s Cup Regatta is a biennial event, first held in 1995, that has grown from strength to strength in that time.

The spectacular trophy for the best overall performer under the IRC handicap system, has been presented by Brown Thomas/Waterford Wedgwood and is the most coveted prize of the weekend’s activities.

The event has attracted over 150 entries from all over Ireland, Wales and the south coast of England. This has risen from just 70 entries in the inaugural event eight years ago.

Regatta director Pat Pyne marked the official commencement of the competition at a function in Kinsale Yacht Club last night.

The fleet of competitors includes many of Ireland’s top sailors.

In class O, Colm Barrington’s Gloves Off from the Royal Irish and John Killeen’s Nimmo from Galway Bay Sailing Club, are amongst the favourites.

Class one will see Royal Cork members Barry and David Rose; Anthony O’Leary and Eamon Crosbie competing for honours in their respective vessels Obsession V, Antix and Voodoo Chile.

Class two, competing for the first cruiser national title, includes Michael Guinan’s and Stephen Neenan’s Phanthom and Anthony Gore-Grimes’ Dux, both from Howth.

The first race commences at 11am.