Saw this advertised on a website in Ireland. Might be of interest to some over there or in the UK. Would make a great weekend, great part of the world. ;D
Fancy a Great day out Racing in Cork harbour on May 31st?
Ocean to City Rowing and kayaking Race 2008 - Saturday 31st of May 2008. Entries closing this week.
The 4th annual Ocean to City Race follows the 15 mile course from Crosshaven near the mouth of Cork harbour up to Cork City centre.
As well as the many rowing craft sections there are two seperate kayak classes;
1.) Standard Sea Kayaks (includes everything from Plastic Sit-on Top to general sea kayaks to fast touring sea kayaks such as SIPRE Tintorera & INUK designs) Doubles also.
2.) Elite class for Racing Sea Kayaks/Ocean Skis/ILSS surf skis (Basically any tippy & sleek dedicated racing craft )
This is a great race to participate in and something quite different from the usual menu of domestic flat and river races. Competition is fierce in both classes and paddling times for the course range from 1hr 40 minutes up. Most paddlers finish under the 3 hour mark. Rescue is well organised.
Paddling conditions have threatened bad in past years but have turned out reasonable on the water. Paddlers can expect potentially testing paddling conditions of harbour chop, tidal currents and several open stretches prone to wind.
Due to the tide this years Race for rowing craft starts at 9.30 am on Saturday morning in RCYC Crosshaven, Co Cork. Registration takes place on the Friday Afternoon - from 4pm until 8pm in the Dinghy Hut in RCYC but also morning of race. The kayak races are usually off later, i will endevour to find out start time from them.
Entry forms and race information at
www.oceantocity.com/
I think entries close in next week so best to get moving.
heres race description from site;
The race is 15 nautical miles. It begins in Crosshaven, then out to the mouth of Cork Harbour, Roches Point, (boats that are suited to Ocean rowing will be going to Roches Point this year if weather conditions are favourable) back into the Harbour and down the long straight to Cobh, passing in front of the quays. It continues on past Monkstown and on to Passage West before entering Lough Mahon (where the wheat is separated from the chaff). This wide expanse of water is the toughest stage, as there is nearly always a strong cross wind.
Once completed the sheltered home stretch down the "Marina" beckons. This is the most exciting part as the real race for positioning occurs here as the crews spurred on by the crowds and the approaching finishing line battle it out.
This year we are going to finish the race at Lapps Quay in Cork City Centre providing more of a spectacle and festival atmosphere for participants and the public alike.
I have some boats available to rent for standard class.
regards
Jim Morrissey
O87 7565578 info (at) kayakmor.com
