Trim your sails - Cork Week 2026 is on the horizon!

Cork Week 2026, one of the most anticipated fixtures on the global sailing calendar, will deliver another spectacular week of racing on Cork Harbour from 6–10th July, in a regatta first hosted in 1978.

Hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club in the picturesque village of Crosshaven and surrounding areas, the biennial regatta will once again combine world-class competition with a unique coastal atmosphere, welcoming seasoned sailors and shoreside spectators alike.

Cork Week 2026 is expected to attract over 120 boats and 1,200 sailors from Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA. Beyond the racing, the event celebrates the spirit of maritime culture, with a vibrant programme of shoreside activity including live music, local cuisine, a Family Fun Day and Ladies Day. 

There are two major championships added to this year’s racing programme - the Etchells European Championships 2026 and the Irish Cruiser Racing Association (ICRA) Championships - promising some exciting performances. This year’s Beaufort Cup with entries from around the world, the renowned race for international uniformed service personnel encompasses a race around Fastnet Rock and back to Cork at the beginning of the week.  

Ross Deasy, Cork Week2026 Event Chair, Dylan O'Sullivan, Seamus Hurley and Denis Byrne, Admiral Royal Cork. Picture: Robert Bateman

Over the 5 days of racing (6th-10th July) each fleet will rotate through various race courses with each day bringing new challenges and opportunities for competitors, from longer coastal courses raced offshore, to ‘Round-the-Cans’ racing inside the harbour and multiple short races and Olympic courses laid in the open waters. Recommended viewing points for the Harbour Race which takes place on Wednesday 8th July include Camden and Church Bay in Crosshaven, the Haulbowline Island Amenity Park, Ringaskiddy and the promenade in Cobh.

In addition to top-quality racing, there is an exciting lineup of off-the-water activities, open to all.  This year, Cork Week will kick off with fun and adventure for families at the Family Day on Sunday July 5th  from 12-5pm. 

The whole village of Crosshaven will be bursting with fun and adventure for families with a coastal market in the Royal Cork Yacht Club marquee, face painting, balloon modelling, pirate games, trails to Camden Fort Meagher, coastal walks, themed competitions, and the famous Pipers Fun Fair. As the crews arrive back on short each afternoon, the on-shore fun begins in the Royal Cork Yacht Club, with something for all ages! There will be musical entertainment all week in the large marquee, Après Sail events all week, the Traditional Cork Week John Paul Construction BBQ Bash on Thursday, fun on-shore sailing activities, and a family-friendly area which includes a Play Zone for children’s games, a picnic area, and multiple casual dining options, alongside retail outlets, spares, sail-repair and other facilities. 

This year’s Cork Week Ladies’ Day charity lunch in aid of the Crosshaven RNLI on Wednesday, July 8^th, will be hosted by Red FM’s KC, with special guest Reggie and music by The Loungeman and Phil Holbird & band. 

Commenting,  Denis Byrne, Royal Cork YC Admiral said, “Cork Week has long been recognised as a world-class regatta, and 2026 promises to raise the bar even further. We are proud to welcome an outstanding fleet of sailors from Ireland and across the globe to Crosshaven, competing at the very highest level. With the addition of major championships this year, the calibre on the water will be exceptional, making it a truly special edition for competitors and fans alike.

Just as importantly, Cork Week is an event for everyone. We would encourage people across Cork and beyond to come down to the harbour, soak up the atmosphere and experience the racing from some of the incredible vantage points along the shoreline. Whether you’re a lifelong sailing enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out, there’s nothing quite like seeing these boats in action against the backdrop of Cork Harbour. Of course, it would not be possible without our sponsors so I would like to sincerely thank them for their support and also a big thanks to the army of volunteers that it takes to run this event.” 

The biennial regatta draws spectators from far and near and the atmosphere in Crosshaven, home of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the world's oldest yacht club dating back to 1720, is always second to none both during and ahead of the biennial Cork Week.  The harbour villages of Cork will also be buzzing with activity and offer the perfect vantage points to see the stunning spectacles on the water.  

Cork Week is supported by Cork County Council, Port of Cork, Musto, Heineken, Barry & Fitzwilliam, CH Marine, John Paul Construction, Smart Club Solutions, Douglas Court Shopping Centre, Arachas Insurance, the National Space Centre and Red FM. 

For more see www.corkweek.ie.