Changes for Volvo Cork Week 2016

Volvo Cork Week is set to attract more competitors by reducing the real cost through pro-active measures © Tim Wright / www.photoaction.com

This year Volvo Cork Week looks set to attract new competitors by hosting the first ever IRC European Championship and the Beaufort Cup. The Royal Cork Yacht Club has always listened to competitors comments about Cork Week and has never been afraid to make improvements whenever possible. Kieran O'Connell, Chairman of Volvo Cork Week, spoke candidly about the changes to this year's event, brought about by talking to competitors, the real cost of coming to Cork Week is being reduced by pro-active measures.

"When talking to people in Ireland and the UK." commented Kieran O'Connell. "We have been making a big effort to keep the cost down for visiting teams, we have been setting guide prices for local accommodation in Crosshaven and local home owners have been listening and reducing their expectations. For example a 3 bedroom house that sleeps 6 - 8 crew for the week is averaging at €1250 - €1500 or B&B for €50 per night. There is a dedicated page on our web site for hotel and B&B accommodation and for local house rentals you can email Audrey on . At Volvo Cork Week 2016 we will also have camping options with toilet and shower facilities.

The Volvo Cork Week committee have undertaken to keep food and beverage costs at normal club rates - photo © Tim Wright / www.photoaction.com

Volvo Cork Week will have breakfast options available each morning before racing, you can order lunches to take with you on the water and a wide variety of dinner options, all at a very reasonable price point.

The Volvo Cork Week committee have undertaken to keep food and beverage costs at normal club rates, there will also be competitor drink promotions each evening. Helly Hansen, the Official Clothing Partner to the event will have a retail shop in the regatta village, alongside other notable retailers such as CH Marine, Union Chandlery to name a few.

Two nights of big name bands and live music as the sailors come off the water - photo © Royal Cork Yacht Club

The entertainment line-up is fantastic this year with the event open to the public on Thursday and Friday nights with big name bands performing. The management team is putting a big effort into the apres-sail slot from 4.30 to 7pm, with live music creating the right sort of atmosphere, as the sailors come off the water.

The IRC European Championship is attracting new teams from overseas of a very high standard and the Beaufort Cup is bringing new faces to Volvo Cork Week. The Beaufort Cup invites sailing teams from their associated national services, 50% of each team must be active in the service they represent. Racing will take place over five days in a mix of offshore and inshore courses. The winning team of the Beaufort Cup will also have €10,000 donated to a nominated charity.

Including the one design 1720 and Viper Sportsboats, a wide variety of yachts have already entered Volvo Cork Week, with a significantly higher number of early entries compared to this time in 2014. For yachts entering before the 1st May 2016, there are two prize draws. Volvo Cork Week will be giving away, sailing gear and a weekend 40ft bareboat charter, kindly sponsored by Sovereign Sailing Kinsale."

The early entry discount for Volvo Cork Week runs out on May 1st. For more information about Volvo Cork Week.

www.corkweek.ie