It seems hard to imagine that just four years ago, there was talk around Crosshaven of a cap on entries for Ford Cork Week being made around the 450-boat mark. With an entry of about 320 boats in 1994, few doubted that the Royal Cork Yacht Club's biennial event could attract this number but most people seemed to agree any more was just pure fantasy.
Last night, however, organiser Donal McClement announced that 667 boats had entered and he was fully confident of a starting fleet in excess of 600, allowing for drop-outs.
It seems the caution that hinted at capping numbers has been replaced by a real confidence based on experience that, in fact, greater numbers can be accommodated in what has become one of the world's greatest sailing extravaganzas. The hand-brake is off for what will be the greatest test yet for the RCYC team.
The attraction afloat is simple: massive fleets, easily accommodated in the quality racing waters in and around Cork Harbour where any club crew can expect tough competition in their class on an excellent variety of courses. Ashore, what could be a logistical nightmare somewhere else will, if past events are a measure, effortlessly host more than 5,000 sailors and possibly the same number again in friends and visitors.
The age-old dilemma between the professional sailor and his amateur counterpart has been accommodated as well, adding the glamour and excitement that some of the sports best known names bring to events. The anticipation is almost overwhelming and the week of racing is by far the highlight of the summer sailing season for many sailors at home and further afield.
McClement has being doing his sums for the various classes. At present, all eight Channel Handicap (CHS) fleets will have at least 40 boats on their respective starting lines. The Sigma 33 fleet, back in Cork once again for their UK National Championship, has an entry of 79 boats requiring a 1,300-yard starting line. Already, 100 boats have arrived in Crosshaven from various places and last evening were reported to be arriving at 10-minute intervals. The Salve Marine dock was described as "Sigma City" and 150 new marina spaces and a new pier for the big boats should ease berthing congestion. The tented race village is almost complete and a party atmosphere was quickly building.
The massive growth - approaching double in just one event - is widely acknowledged. Both the Royal Ocean Racing Club and other offshore racing bodies have adjusted their programme to allow for Ford Week. The town has implemented a traffic management plan in addition to park-and-ride facilities with shuttle services to and from the club daily.
The RCYC has increased its land area by 20 per cent through reclamation along the Currabinny River back towards Carrigaline and the entire area that doubles as dinghy parking in the rest of the season has been tarmacadamed - welcome news for those who remember wading though muddy fields to get to parked cars. There is also 48 per cent more covered area in the village that covers a half-mile stretch from the clubhouse.
Of course, the rumour machine is in full swing and allowing professionals to compete in Class 0 and the 1720 Sportsboats has raised the stakes for many crews. Predictions have been made about the number of egos that are likely to be severely dented on the race courses, though this week's latest set of stories are proving unfounded.
Apparently international sailing superstars Paul Cayard, Lawrie Smith and even Denis Conner are expected to compete in the 1720 fleet. However, no such information had been confirmed to the race office as of last night and Lawrie Smith told The Irish Times that he "might do it if someone asks me." Currently on holiday in West Cork, Smith's only current sailing commitment in the region this summer is to present prizes at the Glandore classic boat regatta later this month.
Nevertheless, with almost 70 of the Irish-built sportsboats in action, this class must be one of the focus points for the racing in Cork with dozens of Ireland's leading sailors at domestic and international level expected to take part. A healthy turnout from Britain, a principal market for the Cork (where else?) originated concept should provide some of the closest and most exciting one-design racing ever witnessed in Ireland.
Class Zero never fails to provide some of the most impressive sights of all the combined racing fleets. Various boats are tipped for success here, counting Nigel Bramwell's Hawk, the CHS all-winning Sydney 46-footer and the Harold Cudmore skippered Barlo Plastics, otherwise known as Cracklin' Rosie of Howth YC. Fresh from Antigua Race Week, Australian Maid is an older but proven entry that could do well if the event has breeze, as should Swan 65-footer Desperado, a regular at Cork.
All five of the new Prima 38footers that have been built so far have been entered. This design made its debut on the south coast of England this year, cleaning up at the Hamble Spring Series and, more recently, scoring sixth overall under CHS as the Air Corps entry in the Round Ireland Race. Other one-designs include 24 Hunter 707's, one of the most popular sportsboats on the south coast of England.
Meanwhile, no chances are being taken by McClement and his team once again on the thorny issue of professionals infiltrating the club sailor classes. All competing yachts have received a letter with the draft Sailing Instructions outlining the events eligibility rules that have been widely adopted abroad at similar sized events. A definition is also included in a further effort to deter would-be cheats.
"I have no doubt that our approach taken two years ago was absolutely 110 per cent correct," McClement said last night. "If people choose to sail outside the spirit of the rule then we'll go after them." Already, upwards of 45 requests for status have been received and the applicants have been duly notified. The full list with results of the rulings will be posted at the Race Office in Crosshaven this weekend.
