Quarter Tonners head for Ireland

20 boats expected in Kinsale in late June for the Sovereigns Cup

Sovereigns Cup 2009 will see up to 20 Quarter Tonners from Ireland, the UK and France make the trip to Kinsale in late June to compete in this bi-annual festival of sailing.

This initiated, developed by KYC in conjunction with the Quarter Ton Class has met with a great response from owners from near and far with boats coming out of the woodwork in the true spirit of this rejuvenated class.

Since 2002 there has been a buoyant revival of these racing boats, some of which are in excess of thirty years old. Numerous have benefited from extensive refits bringing them back to their former glory, and in many cases have been upgraded to reflect more modern design thinking. Since their revival Quarter Tonners have proven to be very competitive under IRC with boats winning events such as Round The Island race, Cowes week and Cork week. Such has been the interest in the class that the annual Quarter Ton Cup was re-introduced a number of years ago. This now annual event sees in excess of 20 boats competing for the trophy in Cowes under the IRC rule.

The continued momentum in the growth of the class has resulted in Quarter Ton classes at Cowes week, Red Funnel Easter Challenge, as well as a number of other UK regattas.

Sovereigns Cup is perhaps a fitting occasion for the class to return to Ireland after an absence of twenty or so years. Well known boats such as Espada, Manzanita, Woody, Odd Job, Diamond and Runaway Bus together with many accomplished sailors including Class secretary Louise Morton, her renowned sailing husband Peter, Ron Holland, Joxer O Brien and Neil Kenefick are all sure to add to the competitiveness, colour and excitement at the event. The experienced eye of Donal McClement is to act as OD for the class and is sure to keep everyone on the straight and narrow at the event which is kindly supported by Harken.

A competitive, fun and no doubt for many nostalgic four days racing and shore side activities lies ahead in Kinsale.

If you own a Bolero, GK-24, Starflash, One-off Quarter Tonner or are interested in more information on this event please contact Ian Travers here at or visit the website. for more details.

Sovereigns Cup runs from 24-27 June in Kinsale, Ireland.