SailCork has been teaching sailing in Cobh since 1974.
This year the school celebrates 40 years in business with a number of special events – see below
Eddie English trained at the Royal Cork Yacht Club and with the Irish Yachting Association, also aboard STV Asgard and under with the late Eamonn English. Eddie began his teaching career 45 years ago in 1969. He worked as an instructor in several clubs around Ireland before setting up a sailing school himself in 1974 called "Cork Harbour Sail Training Centre" – teaching juniors and adults dinghy sailing in the Cork area. The school was based in East Ferry until 1977 when a base began on East Beach in Cobh. The reputation quickly grew and the broad client base from all over the globe led to the name being changed to "International Sailing Centre".
In 1981 the school moved to a large premises on East Beach in Cobh. The "Sailing Centre" provided accommodation for up to 22 pupils and expanded rapidly as a great windsurfing venue – with major competitions being held in Cobh on a regular basis- including the Irish National Championships in 1985 which was run by Eddie English.
"International Sailing" added navigation courses to the curricilum and ran a special course to train pupils to work in the marine industry called "Marine Leisure Management" The school was to the forefront in introducing a code of standards and a new syllabus for dinghy sailing to Ireland and Eddie English became the first Irish Powerboat Instructor with International Sailing becomint the first Powerboat School in Ireland. Throughout the 1990’s facilities were upgraded and in 1998 another building next door was purchased allowing the addition of en suite accommodation and the "Bistro" restaurant.
As the school grew the limitations of operating from a slipway proved to be a major impediment – the school needed bigger powerboats, day boats and marina accesss became necessary. "SailCork" ( the new name adopted after the name of the website! ) moved to East Ferry Marina in 2005 – a suitable home to run dinghy sailing, powerboating, junior watersports, cruiser sailing and navigation courses. The fleet expanded with the addition of a diesel 6.5m rib and two "Raider 18" dayboats and in 2008 SailCork purchased the "Holy Grounder" a Beneteau First 36.7. The base for SailCork remains at East Ferry Marina with offices in Cobh.
Calling past students and instructors – please share your memories of SailCork with us on the SailCork.com Facebook page. We are also looking for old photos, old International Sailing or SailCork t-shirts, jackets, posters etc Call us and get involved in the fun!!
We will be adding more photos to this page soon!
SailCork 40th Birthday –- Provisional Programme
Dinner RCYC: Sat March 8th
Come and meet old friends – slide shows of the past and present! Great meal, great venue, great fun – profits to RNLI – Irish Lifeboats.
For tickets call Jo on 021 4811237 or mail [email protected]
Round Island Windsurfing Race Sat May 10
Reviving this famous race – dust down your board and take part in this great event. Full programme for all the family with sailing and power daytrips and plenty of fun ashore!
Midsummer BBQ Fri 27 June
Take part in dinghy racing, cruiser racing, powerboat exploring and then come ashore to a great Bar B Q
Sat 28 – Fun racing at Cobh Trad Regatta
Cobh Regatta Aug 16-17
More racing and fun ashore at this historic event.
Cruise to Cork City Oct 8
Fun sail in company to Cork City with fun and games in the City.
