My Weekend: There’s nothing like the feeling being on the water gives you!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work;

My name is Rob Foster and I’ve lived in Crosshaven for most of my life. I’m happily married to Colette, and we have three children, Caoimhe, Cillian, and Clodagh. Our family also includes two pampered dogs, Max, and Toby.

I work for a large biopharmaceutical manufacturer in Ringaskiddy and have been with the company over 17 years.

I’m currently serving as rear iral for Keelboat racing at the Royal Cork Yacht Club and I’m a member of the organising committee for Volvo Cork Week 2024.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

It all depends on what’s happening! We enjoy a glass of wine at home, but are just as happy going for dinner with friends. During the summer months, sailing takes priority, as we compete in the RCYC’s summer racing series in Cork Harbour. There’s nothing like the feeling that being on the water gives you! We always enjoy some food and refreshments in the club bar afterwards.

Lie-ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

A mixture of both, I suppose, I’m mostly up early, but I think everyone enjoys a lie-in once in a while. Volvo Cork Week will be a week of early starts on the water for racing, with fantastic entertainment at night, so we could be burning the candle at both ends!

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

It does. I work shift, so I’m often working at the weekends. The benefit, though, is time off during the week. Being on the organising committee for Volvo Cork Week and rear iral of Keelboat racing are both really enjoyable, but demanding roles, so these take up a lot of my free time.

If money were no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

We love travelling and Tenerife is one of our favourite destinations, but if money were no object, then probably Dubai or New York or perhaps a European capital, like Rome or Paris.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

I’m lucky enough to live across the road from the Crosshaven-to-Carrigaline Greenway, so I enjoy going for long walks. 

The views up and down the river are great; we are very lucky in Crosshaven to have such an amenity.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

Absolutely! There’s nothing better than meeting friends and family socially at the weekend. Be it at the yacht club or one of the bars and restaurants in Crosshaven.

Volvo Cork week has a great social calendar, as well as great racing, so this is always a great way to catch up with friends.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

I like most sports: I participate in sailing, obviously, and have competed in Volvo Cork Week in previous years. This year however, Caoimhe, Cillian, Clodagh, and I will complete in the event in our own boat for the first time. We’re really looking forward to it.

I also enjoy watching rugby and try to get to as many Munster and Ireland games as possible.

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter do you have a signature dish?

I like both. It’s great to have friends around for a BBQ during the summer.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork: Where are your go to spots for coffee/lunch/special meal?

We try to go out to eat every other week and often go to town or Kinsale, but it’s hard to beat the restaurants in Crosshaven. 

We tend to try different places though, Cork has so much to offer!

Sunday night comes around too fast.. how do you normally spend it?

Just relaxing at home, really. I enjoy catching up on the latest Netflix series.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

My alarm goes off at 5am and I’m generally at work for 5.45am. When I’m off work, I set my alarm for a little bit later, but still get up early to go for a walk or do the school run.

MORE ABOUT CORK WEEK

Volvo Cork Week runs from July 15 to 19. One of the most anticipated events on the global sailing calendar, it is gearing up for a thrilling spectacle on Cork Harbour once again with its unparalleled blend of competition, camaraderie, events, and coastal charm. Over 200 boats and 10,000 sailors and spectators will descend on Crosshaven, Co Cork, for the week. Alongside the racing action, attendees can look forward to a packed schedule of onshore events, including live music, delicious local cuisine, a Family Fun Day and Ladies Day.

• For more see www.corkweek.ie