The Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven, the world’s oldest yacht club, is gearing up to welcome sailors and boats from around the globe to Volvo Cork Week 2024 from July 15-19. This year’s event will feature over 120 boats and attract 8,000 sailors and spectators to the harbour town for a week of thrilling races and maritime festivities!
Crosshaven will be buzzing all week with exhilarating races on the water and a variety of entertainment and celebrations onshore. The neighbouring harbour villages of Cork will be bustling with activity, offering the perfect vantage points to witness the stunning spectacles on the water. There is something for everyone, from seasoned sailors to curious onlookers.
Family Fun
First up is the Family Day this Sunday, 14th July, from 12-5pm with lots of nautical fun promised. The picturesque waterfront of Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC) will transform into a bustling hub of excitement with a treasure trove of free fun, educational, and nautical activities designed to keep young sea-lovers.
Activities include face painting, balloon modelling, an expanded family-friendly area which includes a Play Zone for children’s games, and a bigger Coastal Market. Families will also enjoy trails to Camden Fort Meagher, a colouring competition with some fantastic prizes, a children’s marine talk with Sam Cox at 1pm, the famous Pipers Fun Fair and boat trips from Custom House Quay on the Cailin Ór. Red FM’s Katie Jane Cronin will broadcast live from the Royal Cork Yacht Club from 2-5pm.
World Class Racing
The Harbour Race on Wednesday, July 17, promises to be a spectacular viewing event. A number of Championship races will also take place from Monday to Friday (starting at 10:55 am) both inside and outside the harbour.
Highlights include the 1720 European Championships with over 20 1720s, designed in Cork, and the renowned Beaufort Cup, which will be the biggest yet featuring international entries from countries including the USA and Ecuador. This race for international uniformed service personnel encompasses a race around the Fastnet Rock and back to Cork.
Entertainment
As sailors return to shore after a day’s racing, the fun continues on dry land! The Royal Cork Yacht Club has a full week of entertainment lined up, featuring live musical acts each afternoon, cocktails, resident musician Phil Holbird, onshore sailing activities, and various retail outlets, spares, sail-repair, and other facilities.
Highlights include:
Monday 15th – Heineken Après Sail Welcome party – 4pm
Tuesday 16th – ‘Fastnet Tuesday” Mount Gay Après Sail – 4pm
Wednesday 17th – Orchard Thieves Après Sail – 4pm, Mid-Week Party in the Marquee – 7pm
Also taking place on Wednesday is the sold-out Volvo Cork Week Ladies’ Day charity lunch, in support of Crosshaven RNLI celebrating 200 years. It will feature special guests Volvo ambassadors Dermot Bannon and Suzie McAdam.
Thursday 18th – Murphy’s Stout Après Sail – 4pm, Traditional Volvo Cork Week John Paul Construction BBQ Bash -7pm, Battle of the DJs -10pm
Friday 19th – Buskers & Ginger Après Sail – 4pm, Prizegiving & Closing Ceremony – 5pm, Closing Party – 7pm
Download the full entertainment programme here on www.corkweek.ie/entertainment/
Dining
Plenty of dining options will be available at the Royal Cork Yacht Club, including a host of food trucks and food stalls, open daily from 3pm. The Bistro menu will be available in RCYC Dining Room each day from 5:30-9:30 pm.
Best Viewing Points
Catch the action from recommended viewing points: Camden and Church Bay in Crosshaven, the new Haulbowline Island Amenity Park, Ringaskiddy, and the promenade in Cobh.
Sustainability
The emphasis this year is on sustainability with a focus on conservation, reuse and recycling and environmental impacts. Sponsor Volvo Car Ireland will be on hand to showcase their range of fully electric & plug-in hybrid cars. The Club are again signing up to the Sailors for the Sea Clean Regatta programme, in 2022 the event was awarded the Gold standard.
Getting There and Back
There are buses from Cork City direct to the Royal Cork Yacht Club (220/220X). For those wishing to drive, parking is available on-site.
For more information, visit corkweek.ie.
