CORK300: Another one bites the dust

Founded in 1720, the Royal Cork Yacht Club is the oldest yacht club in the world. With the club’s Tricentenary in 2020, plans were in place this year with special anniversary events attracting national and international sailing communities to Cork to see “where it all began”.

And then the coronavirus pandemic changed everything.

The celebrations, scheduled to take place in July, included Volvo Cork Week, a Classic Yacht Regatta, a Cruise in Company with the Irish Cruising Club and other leading Cruising Clubs from America and Europe along the Wild Atlantic Way and a Royal Cork Fleet review and National and European yacht racing championships.

However, all the events for the Cork300 events series, which were to run across Cork Harbour to celebrate the Royal Cork Yacht Club’s, have been cancelled.

“We are living in very uncertain times and the health of our members, our visitors, our city and country is now the main priority,” said Chair of Cork300 and Admiral of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, Colin Morehead.

“We are also very aware that this will be another blow to our local economy. However, in the three hundred years since the foundation of the Royal Cork Yacht Club we have faced many adversities and are confident that working together, we will see the club, county, country and global sailing community come through these difficult times.

“Finally can I say that words cannot describe how thankful we all are for the hard work of everyone who is making significant sacrifices to keep us safe in these unprecedented times and to the sailing community, family and friends for your support as we navigate this uncertainty together – we truly value you, our community, more than ever.”

Details: www.cork300.com