the royal cork yacht club

The Royal Cork Yacht Club, based at Crosshaven, has the distinction of being the oldest such club in the world. It was founded in Cobh 1720 as the 'Water Club of the Harbour of Corke', and later moved its headquarters to Crosshaven. Under the original rules, no admiral was allowed to bring ' more than two dishes of meat for the entertainment of the club…nor more than two dozen wine to his treat…except when my Lords the judges are invited.' To visiting yachtsmen, the door is always open; such visitors will be offered a welcome and all the facilities of the club, including a modern marina. Just upriver from the clubhouse is Drake's Pool were, according to legend, Francis Drake sought refuge from a Spanish coastal patrol.