Cobh to Blackrock.....

The weekend before last, the start of the Cobh to Blackrock yacht race provided visitors to Cobh with an awesome spectacle. The annual Cobh to Blackrock yacht race is held in mid-September every year. This is looked forward to eagerly and its a chance for yachts from all of the harbour clubs to come together and compete on a fun basis.

This year the race was held as part of the Cork Harbour open weekend and attracted an entry of over eighty.

A great feature of the race is that it attracts boats of all shapes and sizes and this year was no exception. As the competitors get ready for the oft abeam of the Promenade in Cobh and jockey for position there is always great excitement. Indeed, it provides for a great spectacle for many of the onlookers that gather for the start of this most historic race.

Crowds gather in the promenade and other vantage points to see the boats off. Some years this can provide a spectacular sight for if the wind is from the east many can be in full spinnaker at this point. What a sight!!!

This year this wasn't the case as the wind was from the north west quarter and all yachts had to tack their way up channel. However, this number of yachts always provides a spectacle no matter what wind conditions prevail.

Eddie English from SailCork provides a great insight into the origins of the race and its development over the years. Have a look at his blog on the subject as it makes for great reading!