Entries boosted for O'Leary Life Sovereign's Cup 2019
by Kinsale YC 3 Mar 2019 09:13 PST
26-29 June 2019
Dave O'Sullivan, Bobby Nash, Hellen Kelly, Martin Shanahan and Brian Goggin with the Michelle Dunne Prix d' Elegance trophy at the launch of the O'Leary Life Sovereign's Cup © John Allen
With almost four months remaining to the start of racing, the fleet entered for the O'Leary Life Sovereign's Cup regatta already stands at more than 50 boats, an increase of 10 per cent compared to this time in 2017.
Organisers at Kinsale Yacht Club have confirmed that overseas entries have been received from the UK and The Netherlands as well as from all around the Irish coast.
Contingency planning has started to accommodate a 100-plus boat fleet with at least 600 crew-members expected while visiting family and friends should boost the attendance to 1,000 people each evening of the four-day event.
The event was launched on Wednesday evening (27th February 2019) by celebrity chef Martin Shanahan of Kinsale's award-winning Fishy Fishy restaurant. Local councillors Alan Coleman and Kevin Murphy were also in attendance representing Cork County Council who have confirmed sponsorship of the event.
The biennial regatta aims to showcase Kinsale as the gateway to the West Cork region by combining spectacular and unspoilt natural race courses afloat with world-class hospitality and entertainment ashore.
The open waters around the Old Head of Kinsale offer numerous racing areas for the Irish Half-Ton Cup and Dragon National Championships while the 1720 Sportsboat fleet gather for their European title.
The resurgent growth in offshore racing means added demand for a coastal course and daily races of up to six hours in duration are planned for the bigger entries such as George Sisk's WOW! and Conor Doyle's Freya that will have scenic routes as far west as the Seven Heads and back to the Sovereigns located just off Oysterhaven Bay.
Shoreside, Kinsale offers beautiful beaches, children's playgrounds and the spectacular Charles Fort amongst the attractions while the Old Head Golf Links have sponsored an 'offshore mark' located on Hole Open Bay to link two sports synonymous with Kinsale.
The O'Leary Life Sovereign's Cup Regatta organised by Kinsale Yacht Club will take place from Wednesday 26th to Saturday 29th June 2019. Full details and updates at: www.sovereignscup.com