This July, hundreds of boats from around the world are going to gather on the waters around Cork Harbour, attracted by the opportunity to take part in a very special celebration. Not only is it Cork Week, but it is also the 304th anniversary of the Royal Cork Yacht Club. Having been founded in 1720, this makes RCYC the oldest yacht club in the world.
In 1978, the Royal Cork Yacht Club first hosted its biennial Cork Week with only 50 boats. This year they are expecting a record number of boats and sailors to take on the Cork Week Regatta. So if you love your history and the sight of beautiful and remarkable boats, this is not something that you would want to miss.
Cork Week itself has been traditionally seen as a must-do regatta on the sailing calendar with a good reputation for exhilarating competitive racing over a variety of race courses in fair sailing waters and an incredible line-up of post-racing entertainment and social activity. The races themselves comprise of a variety of different courses including Windward/Leeward, Olympic, Coastal/Offshore and ‘Round-The-Cans’ and Sail Racing Academy is looking forward to taking on the challenge of these races at such an historic harbour.
Two days of training are part of the package and the possibility of a mile building return to Hamble is also available.
13th July, two days of training
15th July, Cork Week 2026 officially starts in Cork Harbour, Ireland.
21st July, departs Cork for Mile Builder to Hamble, UK.
Cork Week 2026 has been confirmed for July 15th – 19th, however, the exact schedule has yet to be released. We do not believe the dates below will be altered, but please occasionally check this page as we will be updating it as soon as the full official schedule is released.
All competitors at Volvo Cork Week 2024 are invited to attend the official event opening at the Royal Cork Yacht Club at 1900H on Monday.
Time to set your maritime alarms. Just a friendly heads up that the warning signal for the kickoff of each race day is scheduled for 10:55. That’s the cue to get your sails and spirits high! Of course, if the winds of change decide to blow in a different direction, we’ll keep you posted. Until then, mark those clocks and let the countdown to adventure begin!
Overall prize-giving will take place at the Royal Cork Yacht Club on Friday, 19th July 2026.
My favourite part was participating in racing and having Germaine as the Skipper. He is the most outstanding skipper and team leader that I have ever sailed raced with. I have been yacht racing sailing for over forty years all over the world. I loved everything! Fellow crew participants were great, friendly, willing to learn and try new things. Supportive and watching out for others on board. Great team group developed and new sailing friends were made. 👍😆
My favourite part was learning foredeck.
