There is something special about taking a boat out of the Bristol Channel and into offshore waters. During the last week in June four PCC boats, Ctrl-J, Jaha!, Hero and Salamander of Kip, in its 50th anniversary year, made the epic voyage across the Irish Sea to represent PCC at the prestigious bi-annual Cork Week, this year held from 6th to 10th July and hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club at Crosshaven.

The Delivery: 36 Hours Offshore

Before any racing could begin, the crews faced the ultimate test of seamanship; the 220 nautical mile delivery transit from Portishead Marina to Cork. Negotiating the Bristol Channel’s notorious tides before breaking out into open Atlantic waters, the 36-hour non-stop run demanded round-the-clock watch systems, careful navigation and plenty of resolve!

From rolling Atlantic swells to shifting light winds and at times, thick offshore fog, the passage across to Roche’s Point tested skippers and crews alike – making that first pint of the black stuff at the Royal Cork Yacht Club all the more rewarding!

World Class Racing Off Crosshaven

Cork Week is famous for its incredible variety of racing, putting boats through their paces on everything from coastal offshore courses to tight, round-the-cans harbour racing. Facing off against international entries, local Irish talents and top UK crews, the PCC contingent held their own across the fleets with the IRC handicap division seeing close, tactical racing in open water.

Conditions varied over the course of the week and ranged from bright summer sunshine and ideal sea breezes to eerie morning fog that cleared just in time for tight tactical racing. Teams had to manage complex tides, and frequently changing weather patterns. Of particular note was when the entire regatta fleet assembled for the Harbour Race that saw 80 boats on the start line, described by Ian Bloxham as ‘Quite busy!’ The race saw crews navigate past historical landmarks inside the world’s second-largest natural harbour and featured tight mark roundings, strong tidal streams and intense close-quarters sailing meaning mere seconds separated teams on corrected time!

Commenting on the week’s racing, PCC Commodore, Nick Duppa-Miller said, “The racing in Cork is world-class but the camaraderie of bringing a fleet from Portishead across the Irish Sea is really what makes the trip unforgettable.”

Unrivalled Shoreside Craic to Celebrate

Off the water, the PCC presence was unmistakable! From post-race debriefs at The Oar pub, to the legendary Cork Week social calendar, the PCC pennant was flown high throughout the festival.

Congratulations to all the teams that made the passage and also congratulations to Simon Britten and the crew of Hero for scooping 3rd prize overall in class IRC zero, Andy Williams and the crew of Ctrl-J who came 3rd overall in IRC1 and a special mention to Jaha! who was 5th overall in IRC1.

Also important to mention is the oar that got added to the roof of the The Oar pub in Crosshaven. A number of PCC crews have gathered there over the years to dissect a days racing and noted that the walls and ceilings are adorned with many oars and paddles. Not to be outdone, the PCC team told the landlord in 2024 that we’d return with our PCC oar. Thanks to Kirk Hirons and Richie Birch, the oar was secured, painted with the PCC pennant and signed by all of the PCC crews before it was gifted to the landlord. It now hangs above the bar, an oar-some piece of PCC forever living in Cork!

Looking to Find Out More?

If you’re inspired by offshore or racing adventures, PCC runs regular racing and cruising events throughout the year in the Bristol Channel. Whether your an experienced sailor with your own boat or just want to crew, contact us or join us at Siren’s Calling in Portishead Marina on Wednesday evenings.

While members were busily getting their boats lifted onto the Parish Wharf this week, 2,000 miles away in the warm Gran Canaria sunshine, club members Steve Mortimore, Pete Bundell and Matt Bundell joined Mike Sweet and friends aboard his Moody 54, Leila, to complete final preparations for this year’s ARC+ Rally.

The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC)+ signifies that rather than going from Gran Canaria direct to the Caribbean, the fleet of 89 boats will make a stop in the Cape Verde islands en-route.

Despite being a rally rather than a race, the boat has a handicap and a start time and the rally has a start and finish line so there’s everything to play for!

Setting off at lunchtime on 9th November from Gran Canaria with a brass band playing on the quay, the forecast suggested gusts of 28knots and 3m swells – albeit behind them all the way to Cape Verde.

To track their adventures, download the YB Races app from your favourite App Store and then select the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers 2025 Race before searching for Leila. Wishing the team fair winds and following seas!

Leaving Gran Canaria, 9th November 2025 , credit: Steve Mortimore