Cork Week

Sam Laidlaw’s Royal Yacht Squadron Quarter Tonner BLT completed a perfect Cork Week, winning all eight races sailed in IRC Three to win the overall prize for Cork Week, the Kinsale Kettle. BLT was also awarded the Cork Week Trophy as the best overseas entry.

The Kinsale Kettle is far more than the trophy awarded to Cork Week’s overall winner. Steeped in the history and traditions of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, it represents one of the regatta’s most prestigious honours.

For Cork Week 2026, the silver Kettle was lifted by Sam Laidlaw and the crew of the Quarter Tonner BLT, whose outstanding performance in one of Cork Week’s most competitive classes earned them the overall title. Holding the magnificent trophy at the prize-giving, Laidlaw paid tribute to the racing, the organisers and the celebrated Cork welcome.

Beaufort Cup

Baltimore RNLI rounded off a perfect Beaufort Cup scorecard by winning the final race of the series to lift the trophy for the first time. Brian Mathews’ Defence Forces SC team came from behind to take runner-up spot in the final race, with Simon Coveney’s Waterfront team