Royal Cork Yacht Club Ionian Rally 2025 (update)

A Voyage to Remember:

The Royal Cork Yacht Club’s Ionian Sea Cruise 2025 set sail (or at least set wheels) on Saturday, the 6th of June, with a crew of 72 sailors and 16 vessels embarking on what would become a sun-soaked odyssey through Greece’s most charming waters. Many began their journey from Cork, taking the well-worn path through Heathrow, eventually descending upon the idyllic shores of Lefkas in the soft hues of a Grecian evening.

Two buses stood ready to whisk our crew to Lefkada Town, where priorities swiftly shifted from jet lag to provisioning. Meanwhile, back at the marina, yachts were readied, and suitcases unpacked with varying degrees of nautical efficiency.

That evening, as twilight settled on the Ionian, all roads (and sails) led to Conroy’s Irish Pub. Yes, only the RCYC could arrive in Greece and promptly reestablish Cork’s sovereignty via Guinness. A full flotilla’s worth of sailors congregated bonded by travel, laughter, and the odd pint or three.

Sunday:

Sunday morning began in a leisurely fashion. With the scent of espresso lingering in the warm air, our 16-strong fleet cast off at 11 a.m. under power, the sea glassy and obliging. Our midday rendezvous: Desimi Beach, a delightful cove that swiftly became a carnival of water-based activity. Dinghies darted, teenagers launched themselves off inflatable paddle boards.

From there, the afternoon brought us to our berth for the night, the 12 Gods Pontoon. Here we held a dinner for the crews of the 16 boats. The evening unfolded with Mediterranean ease, sundowners clinked, stories flowed, and cocktails were enjoyed enthusiastically till late, at which point even the most sea-hardened surrendered to their cabins.

Monday:

The morning began with the great freshwater replenishment operation, a dance of hoses and coordination. Once tanks were brimming, we set sail towards Effimia on Kefalonia, with a lunch break at Kalo Limeni Beach. Under 10 knots of wind, our yachts sliced through cerulean seas, sails full and spirits high.

Tuesday:

By Tuesday morning, coffee was served with a side of tactics at the skippers’ meeting, and the fleet set course north.

Lunch took on a slightly more extreme flavour as our fearless teens began launching themselves from limestone cliffs, GoPros strapped like badges of honour. Down below, a spontaneous flotilla of paddle boards was created. Teenagers bound their boards together in a feat of social engineering that would make NATO proud.

By late afternoon, the fleet nestled into Fiscardo. Berthed close to us, a nautical spectacle: the super yacht Triumph. Our anchorage was just a dolphin’s leap from a favourite swimming spot, where the water was as clear as a polished port light. In town, shopping ensued—beach dresses, linen shirts, the occasional questionable hat purchase—and camaraderie abounded. Eleven boats rafted together, creating a party-worthy pontoon of RCYC revelry. Many explored the nearby caves, swimming across to discover natural cathedrals adorned with unexpected trinkets and candlelit nooks.

Wednesday:

Morning departure from Fiscardo delayed but for good reason! Several of the younger sailors were given a private tour of Triumph,a super yacht moored in the harbour.  Destination is Vathy on Ithaki.

Part two of the rally update to follow next week.

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