Overview
Kinsale Yacht Club was set up in 1953 in two cottages at Scilly, across the harbour, and has been in its present clubhouse on the Kinsale town waterfront since the early 1960s; members built the first marina in 1978 and extended it in 2003. Weekly one-design racing is sailed in International Dragons and Squibs alongside cruiser classes I–III and white sails, and juniors learn and race in Optimists, Toppers, ILCAs and 420s. The club's race management is well known: it has hosted the Fireball Worlds (1977), Dragon Gold Cups (1977, 2012, 2024), the 1720 Europeans and, every two years since 1995, the Sovereign's Cup. Visiting crews are temporary members with use of the bar, dining room, changing rooms and laundry.
- Founded
- 1953
- Federation
- Irish Sailing
- info@kyc.ie
- Phone
- +353 21 477 3433
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere MRSC Valentia – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Sovereign's Cupbiennial keelboat championship hosted by KYC since 1995 (next edition 2027)
- Club seriessummer club keelboat series
- Spalpeen Trophy Raceannual fundraising race for the local RNLI
- Gunsmoke Bell Trophy Race
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1953Kinsale Yacht Club is founded, first based in two cottages opposite the slip at Scilly
- 1960sThe present clubhouse is bought in the early 1960s; boats are kept on swinging moorings in the river
- 1977Host of the Fireball World Championship and the Dragon Gold Cup
- 1978Club members fund and build the first marina
- 1984Host of the Flying Fifteen World Championship
- 1995The Sovereign's Cup begins; it is held every two years
- 2003The marina is extended to its present layout; Dragon Europeans hosted
- 2013Latest clubhouse refurbishment; IFDS World Championships hosted
- 2024Dragon Gold Cup hosted for the third time
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 51°42.09′ N 8°31.13′ W
51.70149, -8.51891 - Address
- Kinsale, Co. Cork
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Junior summer sailing courses (Optimist, Topper, 420 groups).
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: MRSC Valentia 112 / 999. Or call 112. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Kinsale Yacht Club founded?
In 1953.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Sovereign's Cup, Club series, Spalpeen Trophy Race and Gunsmoke Bell Trophy Race.