Foynes – February 24, 2017
Plans are well underway at the Royal Cork Yacht Club to host the Irish Cruiser Racing Association’s National Championships in Cork Harbour on the 9th to 11th June.
For the second consecutive year the nationals will be a three day event. However while the decision to reduce the event from historically being four days was hoped to suit boat owners and crews trying to juggle family time, work holidays and participation a busy cruiser racing schedule, it unfortunately doesn’t reduce the workload for a busy event organising committee under direction of Chairman Paul Tingle and including Tom Crosbie, Michael McCann and Julianne McDonnell.
With National Titles up for grabs the Royal Cork Yacht Club have put together a very experienced team of race officials across the various divisions and with a variety of division options available to ensure all racing enthusiasts are catered for. International Race Officer Peter Crowley will take charge of the Non-Spinnaker and the new Coastal division which has been introduced due to the renewed interest in longer leg type racing. While in the IRC fleets International Race Officer’s Jack Roy and Alan Crosbie are both lined up, with a mixture of windward leeward and Olympic type courses planned.
On the shorefront craneage will be provided by Salve Marine, Castlepoint and Crosshaven Boatyards. Special cranes arrangements are available on request.
While we will all be there for great racing the social side is not forgotten by the organising committee. There will be entertainment at the club on the Friday and Saturday nights with a BBQ after racing and a sit down dinner also available and it would be remiss to speak about going to Crosshaven and not to mention the many fabulous restaurants in the area.
To alleviate any accommodation headaches the Royal Cork Yacht Club have provided a very comprehensive accommodation list. There is limited camping facilities at the venue or perhaps an equally convenient but far more comfortable option, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, would be camper van rental.
The early bird entry fee is available until May 12th but the Royal Cork Yacht Club and ICRA would ask competitors to enter early to facilitate planning and organising of the event.
