This year the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race found it’s way back to Cork Harbour. This time however things were very different.

Firstly the fleet came via nearby Kinsale where the town had created an entire festival around the visit of the fleet. Secondly, this year, the vessels sailed all the way up to Cork City where the Port of Cork had installed a new marina. However, possibly the most significant aspect of the race this year was the fact that Cork had its very own entry. This provided an added interest for the citizens of the Harbour area when the fleet arrived. The Cork boat, skippered by Hanna Jenner, was sponsored in a three-way partnership by Cork County Council, Cork City Council and Failte Ireland and was the first time an Irish boat was entered in the race.

The Cork entry in the Clipper Round The World race makes it's way up the River Lee to the City of Cork © Ken Cotter 2010

No stone was left unturned in welcoming the Clipper fleet to Cork. Music and entertainment of every hue provided a unique background to this special event, and the skippers were honoured with a civic reception in the city by The Lord Mayor of Cork City, Cllr Michael O’Connell.

It is hoped the visit of the Clipper Round The World Race to Cork will provide a lasting legacy for the city. The Port of Cork’s new marina will provide a fillip to the maritime tourism sector in the region, regarded by many as an under serviced aspect of the Irish tourism industry.

Vist www.corkclipperfestival.com for more