History of Sailing in Cork

Mariners have sailed the seas for thousands of years but it was the Dutch who invented the sport - back in the 1600's Sailing came to Ireland in the early 1700's - to Cork Harbour. Muiris O' Brien the Earl of Inchiquin sailed from his estate in the eastern end of Cork Harbour. The harbour is said to be the second largest natural harbour in the world - second only after Sydney in Australia.

The sailing waters he used are just at the entrance to East Ferry - where SailCork sails today - sailing has been carried on in these waters for 300 years - SailCork are the proud standard bearers of this tradition.

The "Cork Water Club" was founded in 1720 on Haulbowline Island and it's direct decendant the "Royal Cork Yacht Club" was based in Cobh for nearly 200 years. During the late 1800's Queenstown (Cobh) was home to major international events - second only to Cowes in England as a yachting venue. The RCYC is now based in Crosshaven across the harbour. 

Cork Harbour proudly follows the tradition of sailing with SailCork based in East Ferry, Cove Sailing club in Cobh, Monkstown Bay Sailing Club in Monkstown , The Naval Yacht Squadron in Haulbowline and the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven. Indeed one of the world's leading regattas "Cork Week" is run every two years from Crosshaven attracting an entry of up to 500 boats - this event was run by Eddie English of SailCork in 2002.

Eddie English Blog