Next stop Cork Week! Tonnerre de Breskens sets out from Wicklow to defend her Round Ireland title yesterday. Photo Robert Bateman
There is a feeling of expectancy about the club and when we see the notice to clear the dinghy park to get ready for the Cork Week build then we know something big is going to happen.
Another visiting Cork Week entrant , Visit Malta.com,in Irish waters this week. Photo Robert Bateman
On enjoying the festivities at Wicklow for the start of the Round Ireland Race and going through the entries, it struck me very forcibly that in the case of Exhale, Cavatina, Visit Malta.com and the current title holder, Tonnerre de Breskens, that in fact this would be their last big competitive outing before heading for Cork week. It brought to mind all the other boats that are making last minute preparations and in the case of those coming distances to the event they must be almost ready to start on their trips to Crosshaven. One Class Zero entry we haven’t mentioned before is the very welcome Neil White in his Corby 40 Independent Bear.
This year’s event should see a very spectacular sight on Friday the last day of racing when the entire combination of fleets will take part in the harbour course referred to by all as “the race up to Cobh” and incorporates a turning mark off Cobh. This provides an excellent opportunity for spectators from several vantage points and this year with the combination of fleets hopefully will provide a kaleidoscope of colour should Old Sol and the wind gods favour us.
Behind the scenes Vice Admiral and Cork Week Chairman, Pat Lyons, together with his committee has been working hard to ensure the success of this very popular event. In common with most other events and in the present economic climate, we all have to accept we cannot expect the same huge attendances but non the less the quality of the entry list is strong and basically the event this year should prove to be extremely competitive and perhaps even more enjoyable both on and off the water.
The Bodega showing support for Cork Week 2012. Photo Robert Bateman
On the ashore festivity side, not to be outdone to entertain the competitors and visitors alike, Cork’s Club Bodega is shipping off to Crosshaven this July for “Bodega By The Sea” as the famous venue provides the entertainment line up for the 2012 Cork Week July 9th to 13th. “Bodega by the Sea” features some of the country’s best live bands and DJs, combined with the unique atmosphere of Club Bodega in a setting like no other, over five nights, at the Royal Cork Yacht Club.
Another view of the Bodega showing support for Cork Week 2012 taken at the official opening of Cornmarket Street. Photo Robert Bateman
Cork Week will have something for everyone of all categories and age groups. At The All Aboard weekend on July 7th and 8th Cork Week will be welcoming children and families to a free weekend of Shoreside Family Fun. There will be plenty of water-based attractions and interactive entertainment including high-speed tours of the harbour, Dragon Boat racing, Whale Workshops, Touch Pools, Bubble Workshops, face-painting and lots, lots more. And for those who fancy heading a bit further out, (for an extra charge), There will be regular scheduled trips out to the harbour to try to spot Dolphins, with a licensed tour operator located at the marina especially for the All Aboard weekend. One can safely say the entire range of age groups will be catered for and all are welcome and can be assured of great entertainment in a great atmosphere.
Cork Week Chairman Pat Lyons. Photo Robert Bateman
Royal Cork Yacht Club, the Cork Week Organisers and the members look forward to seeing you all for competitive sailing, family fun sailing, and shoreside fun and entertainment of the highest order.
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