An estimated 10,000-15,000 people visited Crosshaven over the weekend for the start of Cork Week Regatta, which brings in an estimated €10 million to the Cork Harbour area. The Minister for Health, Mr Martin, launched the event.
The regatta, hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club, is one of over 13 events backed by Fáilte Ireland's international sports tourism initiative. This year will see some 5,500 sailors compete in six days of racing over six courses.
A Fáilte Ireland spokesman said the organisation this year had a budget of €4.5 million to sponsor sports events, and it had invested some €120,000 in promoting Cork Week. "Fáilte Ireland has supported Cork Week since 2000 - we're targeting sailing and water sports as a tourism niche with great potential for growth in Ireland."
Yachts have come from some 13 countries, including the first entry from Russia.
The event is this year being covered by a host of media organisations, with the week of racing being broadcast to a potential viewing audience of 500 million.
Mr Eddie English of the race committee said: "The 500 boats are divided up into several different classes and they will race over six different courses."
One of the courses is in Cork Harbour, the scene of races between big boats such as Pyewacket and Morning Glory.
The other courses are just outside Cork Harbour, with vantage points at Roches Point, Templebrady, Fountainstown and the area south of Crosshaven.
There's also a coastal race which brings the boats as far west as the Old Head of Kinsale and as far east of Ballycotton.
