The oldest yacht club in the world is preparing for Cork 2020. The club will be 300 years old in 2020 and the biennial race is a must do race for all levels of sailors. The race is formatted into day races that allow the Irish hospitality to be flowing in the evenings.
When:
The race is scheduled every 2 years and in 2020 will be the 300th anniversary for the oldest yacht club in the world. Set your calendars for the 13th of July 2020.
The race track:
The race format is varied with offshore sailing taking in spectacular coast lines and harbour racing around Cobh. Be prepared for the mist to roll through and take note of the local knowledge in regards to tidal movement when doing the harbour races. The tidal movements can be significant both in the races and when tying up to the wharf. The course is well managed with coastal markers being very prominent for the odd low visibility conditions. Start lines are controlled well and support vessels and emergency vessels are all on hand if needed.
Challenges:
With all travelling sailors, the ease of hiring a yacht within your budget is an absolute priority that sets the tone for the trip. With a large regatta, it is often the case where the demand outstrips availability and yachts are hard to locate. Book early.
Getting a ride for most big race formats will be supported by sailor notice boards that allow people to register to be available as crew. This can be a bit hit and miss. Generally, people do not plan to miss a race until the last minute. Talk to people and ask around and on the wharf if you are looking for a ride.
Getting to the race:
Getting to Cork is very easy regardless of the method of transport chosen. If you have some time, consider hiring a car and seeing the spectacular coast lines and drive from Dublin. The connections via ferries from Holyhead Wales are well scheduled with trains to make connections easy if you have decided to transit via the UK. The buses between Dublin and Cork are well scheduled, on time and as comfortable as any other coach. The trip takes about 3 and a half hours.
Although not all sailors in your team will need a car, it is a convenience must to have at least two cars to transport your crew. The selection of driver for the return trips after the races will likely be a challenge for your crew as a result of the Irish hospitality. Consider taking a non drinker with you as a nominated driver or book your accommodation very close to the club if you can. Having multiple cars addresses a lot of logistics when you are preparing, grabbing supplies, heading to dinner, etc. The yacht club is also located a substantial distance from Cork city.
Accommodation:
There are a number of accommodation styles available ranging from hotels, B&B’s to house rentals. During the race period, the demand is high and booking early is recommended. Note that cheaper styles of accommodation may result in you having to drive longer distances to and from the race.
Race Entry and information is available from https://www.cork300.com/2018/07/13/advance-notice-of-events/
Non Sailors:
Your support crew will quickly learn that the team will be going sailing and the entire days will be available to spend exploring and touring around some absolutely spectacular places. For histories sake, you should attend the Titanic museum in Cobh and of course there is the Blarney stone. Consider a coffee at a cafe or a picnic on a hill top overlooking the coast [to watch the race of course]. There are many vantage spots and too many cafes, pubs and restaurants to mention and exploring is all part of the adventure. Take the time to sit and take it all in. Talk to the locals. They are always willing to help out and give advice on where to go and what to see.
Entertainment:
The Irish know how to put on a party. The club becomes a hive of activity after each race with daily promotions, musicians, jugglers, acrobats and all types of entertainment including a main stage band that will keep you going till late into the night.
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Our Ratings
| What would you rate this race? | |
| Race committee fast & helpful? | |
| Ease of getting a yacht ride | |
| Were sailors friendly & supportive | |
| Did you have fun? | |
| Was it a fun location for non sailors? | |
| What was entertainment like? | |
| Cost? 1=cheap 5=Expensive | |
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Average
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