Cork team wins Atlantic Challenge after superb performance in Denmark

A team of young sailors and rowers from Cork has been crowned overall winner of the Atlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship after a superb performance in Denmark.

The Atlantic Challenge Ireland crew, based in Bantry, claimed the overall title in Roskilde, finishing ahead of Denmark, the Basque Country, Great Britain, the United States, and France to bring the prestigious trophy back to Cork.

The seven-day competition, which ran from July 6-13, brought together crews from around the world to compete in a series of demanding rowing, sailing, and seamanship events aboard traditional Bantry Bay gigs.

The Irish crew impressed throughout the week, topping the standings in the Captain’s Gig, Slalom 1, Slalom 2, Sailing 1, Jackstay 1, Jackstay 2, and Ropework events.

They also finished runners-up in the Man Overboard exercise, and Oars and Sails 1, with those consistent performances helping secure the overall title.

Founded in 1984, Atlantic Challenge aims to preserve traditional maritime skills while promoting international friendship, cultural exchange, and youth development.

The Cork crew travelled to Denmark following months of intensive training on Bantry Bay, and entered the contest on the back of a strong performance at the previous Atlantic Challenge in Belfast, Maine, in the US, where they finished second overall and won the inaugural Dr Matt Murphy Memorial Trophy for rowing excellence.

Atlantic Challenge Ireland has its roots in Bantry, where it was established in 1988 by members of Bantry Rowing Club and Bantry Bay Sailing Club.

The organisation borrowed a longboat to compete in France before later building its own Bantry Bay rig, Unité, which first represented Ireland in 1990.

Since then, hundreds of young people have learned traditional rowing, sailing, and seamanship through the programme.