It was supposed to be a yacht race but for a long time on the waters off Roches Point yesterday, it seemed that it was a test of patience for the 8,000 or so sailors gathered for Ford Cork Week.
Calm conditions took their toll on two years of planning by the organisers at the world's oldest yacht club.
The biennial event at the Royal Cork Yacht Club has attracted 630 boats to Crosshaven. Organisers estimate the value of the event at around £6 million to the local economy and it confirms the regatta as one of the biggest sailing events in the world.