Cork Ocean To City Race Day

An Rás Mór (“The Big Race”) is the 15 nautical mile (24km) traditional & fixed seat rowing race that takes place annually in Cork Harbour.

Cork Harbour is a natural harbour and river estuary at the mouth of the River Lee in County Cork, Ireland. It is one of several which lay claim to the title of “second largest natural harbour in the world by navigational area” (after Port Jackson, Sydney, Australia). Other contenders include Halifax Harbour in Canada, and Poole Harbour in England.

The race begins in Crosshaven, then out to the mouth of Cork Harbour toRoches Point, (boats that are suited to Ocean rowing will be going to Roches Point this year if weather conditions are favourable).

After Roches Point, competitors race back into the harbour and down the long straight to Cobh, passing in front of the quays. It continues on pastMonkstown and on to Passage West before entering Lough Mahon. This wide expanse of water is the toughest stage, as there is nearly always a strong cross wind.

Once completed the sheltered home stretch down the “Marina” beckons. This is the most exciting part as the real race for positioning occurs here as the crews spurred on by the crowds and the approaching finishing line battle it out.

The race finishes at Lapps Quay in Cork City centre providing more of a spectacle and festival atmosphere for participants and the public alike.

More details….