About the Centre

Sometime in the early 1600s, the idea of sailing for private pleasure started to take root in the Netherlands. Later that century, during the Cromwellian years, King Charles II of England was in exile in the Netherlands and while there he became aware of this new and exciting pastime. In 1660 after his restoration to the English crown and return from exile, Charles was presented with a yacht called Mary by the Dutch, which he sailed enthusiastically on the Thames. Soon several of his courtiers followed his example and we feel pretty certain that one of them was Murrough O'Brien, the 6th Lord Inchiquin (Murrough of the Burnings). We know that not only had he attended the court of King Charles from 1660 to 1662, but also that he had been created the1st Earl of Inchiquin by Charles in 1664. We also know that private sailing started to become popular in Cork Harbour shortly after his return, quite possibly because of his direct encouragement. In any case, by 1720, interest in the sport had progressed so much that his great-grandson, the 26 year old William O'Brien, the 9th Lord Inchiquin, 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 it is the oldest yacht club in the world.

Courses

Yes

Accomodation

locally

Contact Details

Royal Cork Yacht Club 
Crosshaven, 
Co. Cork, 
Ireland. 

E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Telephone:  +353 21 4831023
Fax:  +353 21 4831586