Yacht to do this weekend?

Line up along the River Corrib and watch Ireland’s oldest inland boat race sail past as the infamous Cong Galway Boat Race gets underway this weekend.

A wonderful day out for all, spectators will see sailing enthusiasts from around the country join members from the Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club, Cumainn Seoltóireacht an Spidéil, Galway City Sailing Club and Galway Bay Sailing Club this weekend to battle it out for the title of King or Queen of Cong.

The longest inland boat race in Europe, the Cong Galway Boat Race on Saturday (August 22) will start in the picturesque shadow of Ashford Castle at the northern end of Lough Corrib and will follow the old steamer route from Lisloughrey Pier to the city of Galway.

The race will start at 10.30 a.m. at Lisloughrey and finish at Corrib Village pontoon at 5 p.m. You can find a place to watch along the full length of the course, but some of the best spots include: the starting line at Lisloughrey Pier, near The Lodge at Ashford Castle; the halfway point at Kilbeg Pier; the Quincentennial Bridge near the finish line; and Corrib Village pontoon at the end of the race.

Those watching along the Quincentennial Bridge will see racers force their boats to capsize quickly and expertly in a bid to get their masts past the bridge’s obstruction as they near the finish line.

The race winner will be determined based on the Portsmouth handicap scheme. The winning helm and crew will be presented with the CRYC Trophy, a treasured possession of the Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club.

Ashford Castle is the sole sponsor of this year’s race and will present the winning team with an overnight stay on the Ashford Estate. The helm will be awarded a one-night stay at the iconic five-star Ashford Castle on Lough Corrib, while the crew member will receive a luxury night away at The Lodge at Ashford.

The prizes will be presented at a reception held at Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club at approximately 7 p.m. following the race.

Ashford Castle’s long and honoured history is intrinsically linked to the age-old boat race. The original Cong Galway Boat Race started at the Royal Galway Yachting Club in Galway city and travelled to Ashford Castle in Cong before returning to Galway city, a race distance of 61.5 nautical miles. It's now half the original length, starting in Cong and finishing up in Galway city.