Preparations for Volvo Cork Week 2016, Ireland’s most prestigious yachting regatta are well underway, the management team has been hard at work with the Notice of Race and other information is now online. 2016 Cork Week Chairman, Kieran O Connell is keen to welcome all participants to the event.
“Once again, Volvo Cork Week will strive to keep down costs for all competitors, right across the board, we realise the importance of this in the current climate. However, we will make sure that the event is a memorable occasion. We want to make Volvo Cork Week a unique experience and this will be expressed through performing arts, local cuisine and the history of the region. You will find bouncy castles and face painting at many events but Volvo Cork Week will provide far more than that.”
Early interest
Early expressions of interest have been very promising; with nearly 100 availing of the early entry, including several that had a thrilling regatta in 2014. Many of the entries for the 2016 Brewin Dolphin Commodores’ Cup are also expected, including some of the best overseas yachts from Europe and further afield, including a strong team from Australia.
Other Fleets
For the smaller IRC boats, the fleet is set to be just as competitive, the variety of sailing conditions and courses is a great all round test of the yacht and the crew and the yachts in IRC Two and Three make up a substantial percentage of the sailors racing at Volvo Cork Week. The committee hopes that the reduction in costs right across the board should be of great benefit to those boats in particular.
The 1720 Class has been having a renaissance in Ireland and a large fleet of the exciting yachts, purpose built for the Cork Week courses. There are 12 1720s in Cork alone and others are expected from abroad, as well as the Viper class to make the mixed sports boat a very exciting class.
The addition of the Beaufort cup and the IRC European Championships has meant a big increases in overseas entries to add to the already top class line up, also the quarter tonners will be holding their Irish quarter ton Cup during Volvo Cork week 2016.
The ISA Try Sailing Invitational invites sailing clubs around the country to put together a team comprised of participants in their try sailing programme’s. Each club who enters a team can nominate one experienced sailor to either skipper their entry or be part of the crew. Racing will take place in 1720 sports boats over five days with challenging but enjoyable inshore racing.
The Beaufort Cup invites sailing teams, representing their associated national services, to race over five days in a mix of challenging offshore (around the Fastnet Rock) and inshore races to be crowned the 2016 Beaufort Cup holder. Teams will get the unique chance to enjoy the renowned social experience of Volvo Cork Week. The winning team will have €10,000 donated to a charity of their choice by one of our sponsors and will also have a chance to be named boat of the week at Volvo Cork Week 2016.
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