Sovereigns Cup is set to deliver economic boost for Kinsale

The Sovereigns Cup 2015 was launched on board the Naval Service flagship LE Eithne in Dublin by Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food, the Marine and Defence (right) pictured with, from left: Able Seaman Robert Kind, Cllr Alan Coleman and Ensign Ben Crumplin.

By Kieran O’Mahony

KINSALE is set for an economic boost when it co-hosts both the Irish Cruiser Racing Association (ICRA) Nationals and Sovereign’s Cup 2015 at Kinsale Yacht Club from 24th to 27th June.

Organisers of the regatta estimate that it could deliver at least €750,000 boost to the local economy as the majority of participants will be visiting from outside the country.

At least 10 ten crews have entered from the UK and several cruising boats are expected to stay in West Cork area after the regatta.

This four-day event which was recently launched on board the Irish Naval vessel, LE Eithne, will decide four national titles as well as the coveted Sovereign’s Cup and 80 boats have so far registered and this figure is expected to exceed 100 over the next two months.

‘Kinsale is a very popular racing venue as it has a unique mix of tradition, hospitality and facilities plus a spectacular environment. It appears that the sailing community has embraced the concept of this combination of two great events and with under two months to go, I am confident that we will have well over 100 entries,’ said Mike Walsh, director of the Regatta.

Cork County Council is one of several sponsors of the event and is using the opportunity to promote Kinsale as a tourist venue and the starting and finishing point for the Wild Atlantic Way.

‘Cork County Council is delighted to be one of the main sponsors of this international event as if affords us an opportunity to be associated with showcasing Kinsale, a major tourism and sailing centre of excellence both at home and abroad,’ said Cllr Alan Coleman, Mayor of County Cork. CH Marine Anderco and Olympic Sails are also supplying sponsorship and Kinsale Good Food Circle have provided gift vouchers as day prizes for sailors to enjoy the finest of food in the gourmet capital in Ireland.