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Ocean to City is an annual rowing and paddling event in Cork Harbour, Ireland (the largest natural harbour in Europe). It is organised by Meitheal Mara, a community boatyard in Cork City and a registered charity and training centre that specialises in building traditional Irish currachs. It is the flagship event of Cork Harbour Festival which takes place over a period of 10 days during the month of June.
The first Ocean to City took place in 2005 as a race for traditional fixed-seat boats. It has since grown to include categories such as currachs, skiffs, gigs, longboats, ocean racing shells, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards and dragon boats.
It includes races over four course distances: the 28km Ocean Course, 22km City Course, 13km Monkstown Course and the 4km Youth Course. Modelled on London’s Great River Race, start times are staggered with the slowest boat types leaving first, and the fastest boat types leaving last.
The number of participants has grown to hundreds and attracts visitors from all over the world. Each participant receives a commemorative medal, and trophies are awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. There are also a series of special prizes available: boat of the day, boatbuilder of the day, community boat-build award, self-built boat award, innovative design award, super-vet prize, Cian ó Sé Memorial Trophy.