CORK’S OCEAN to City race, which takes place on June 2nd, has become a “bucket list” event for rowers of everything from a currach to a kayak, according to the festival’s manager.
The race is part of a festival celebrating Cork’s maritime history and unique harbour – the world’s second largest natural harbour.
Some 400 Irish and international rowers will take part in the 22km Rás Mór this summer.
The craft range from surf kayaks and dragon boats to skiffs, longboats and Canadian canoes.
“We are expecting entries from all over Ireland and the UK and we have had many inquiries from first-time entrants, which is really encouraging,” festival manager Siubhán McCarthy said.
“An Rás Mór has become a bucket list challenge for many; it’s not for the faint-hearted but it is worth all the practice and pain in exchange for many years of bragging rights for completing Ireland’s toughest rowing competition.”
The event is organised by Meitheal Mara, the Cork-based community group that specialises in boat-building and repairs and training in woodwork and rowing skills.
Currachs and currach replicas are produced for sale, alongside preservation, display and replica work for museums and visitor centres, according to Ms McCarthy.