The countdown is on to Cork Week 2026, one of Ireland's most iconic sailing events and a highlight of the international racing calendar. From 6-10 July, Crosshaven and Cork Harbour will welcome more than 1,200 sailors, alongside thousands of visitors and spectators, for five days of world-class racing and shoreside entertainment.
Hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club, Cork Week has been a cornerstone of Irish sailing since 1978, combining elite competition with the unique atmosphere and hospitality for which Cork Harbour is renowned.
This year's event promises to be particularly special, with the addition of two major championship events: the Etchells European Championships and the ICRA National Championships. These join the prestigious Beaufort Cup, which will once again welcome international military crews from around the world for a challenging programme that includes an offshore race to Fastnet Rock.
More than 120 boats are expected to compete across a variety of fleets, racing on courses both inside and outside Cork Harbour. From tactical inshore racing to demanding offshore challenges, Cork Week offers something for sailors of every level and discipline.
Away from the water, the event will feature a packed social programme beginning with a Family Day on Sunday 5 July. Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy live music, family activities, local food, harbour-side entertainment and the famous Cork Week atmosphere that has made the regatta a favourite among sailors for generations.
For Irish Sailing, Cork Week remains one of the most important events in the national sailing calendar. It showcases the strength of competitive sailing in Ireland, welcomes sailors from around the world to our shores and highlights the vibrant sailing communities that make our sport so special.
Whether you're racing, supporting a crew, or simply looking for a fantastic day out by the water, Cork Week 2026 promises an unforgettable week both afloat and ashore.
For further information, please contact:
Niamh Murphy, ETC niamh@e-t-c.ie 087 0617705 or Róisín Kivlehan ETC roisin@e-t-c.ie 087 9925312.
Cork Week Schedule
Sunday 5th July:
12.00-17.00hrs - Family Fun Day with our Coastal Market
14.00-16.00hrs - Face painting/Balloon Modelling/Pirates etc.
16.00-18.00hrs- Music with Ronan O’Driscoll
18.30hrs - Cork Week 2026 Opening Ceremony
Monday 6th July:
10.55hrs - Racing first gun
16.00hrs – Heineken Après Sail Welcome party with live music, with resident musician, Phil Holbird
Tuesday 7th July:
10.55hrs - Racing first gun
16.00hrs - “Fastnet Tuesday” Mount Gay Après Sail with live music with the Crosshaven Music Collective
17.00hrs - Cocktails & Happy Hour and resident musician, Phil Holbird
Wednesday 8th July:
10.55hrs - Racing first gun
12.00hrs - Cork Week Ladies Lunch in aid of RNLI
16.00hrs – Murphy’s Après Sail live Music, Cocktails & Happy Hour
19.00hrs - Mid-Week Party with resident musician, Phil Holbird in marquee
Thursday 9th July:
10.55hrs - Racing first gun
16.00hrs – The Busker & Ginger Ale Après Sail live Music, Cocktails & Happy Hour
19.00hrs - Traditional Cork Week John Paul Construction BBQ Bash followed by resident musician, Phil Holbird.
22.00hrs – Battle of the DJs
Friday 10th July:
10.55hrs - Racing first gun
16.00hrs – Murphy’s Après Sail live Music, Cocktails & Happy Hour
17.00hrs – Prizegiving & closing ceremony in the marquee attended by all sponsors, competitors, ministers, dignitaries
19.00hrs - Closing Party with resident musician, Phil Holbird followed by DJ
Ross Deasy, Cork Week 2026 Event Chair, Denis Byrne, Admiral Royal Cork Yacht Club, Dylan O’Sullivan, and Seamus Hurley. Photo: Bob Batemen