Royal Cork Yacht Club
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Royal Cork Yacht Club is the world's oldest yacht club and was founded in 1720. It is located in Crosshaven, just outside Cork City.
The Royal Cork Yacht Club was established by William O'Brien, the 9th Lord Inchiquin, a great-grandson to the 1st Earl of Inchiquin, who was a courtier of King Charles II.
On returning to England from exile, King Charles began to have an interest in sailing on the Thames and it was not long before his courtiers (including The Earl of Inchiquin) followed his example. Upon the Earl’s return to Cork, sailing soon caught on and it was some years later before his great-grandson, 26 year old William O'Brien and five of his friends got together to formalise their activities and in so doing established "The Water Club of the Harbour of Cork". This club is known today as the Royal Cork Yacht Club and is the oldest yacht club in the world.
By the mid 19th century membership was keenly sought after due to the clubs popularity and club records show that many candidates were disappointed for not getting membership. One who was fortunate to be admitted was Prince Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria, later to be Emperor of Mexico. Prince Ferdinand was the founder of the Imperial Austrian Navy and a brother of Emperor Franz Joseph. The Prince of Wales who was later to become King Edward VII attended several RCYC regattas sailing his famous yacht "Britannia".
In 1966 the Royal Cork and the Royal Munster Yacht Clubs agreed to merge and the Royal Cork moved to its present premises in Crosshaven assuming the title "The Royal Cork Yacht Club, incorporating the Royal Munster Yacht Club".
Cork Week which is held every two years is regarded as Europe's most competitor friendly regatta and attracts contestants from all over the World. The activities of the club are regarded as a major tourism asset for the Cork area and significantly contribute to the economy of Crosshaven. The Royal Cork may be well over 275 years old but it is still vibrant, progressive and innovative - just as it was in 1720.
