Ross Deasy
Racing Chairman of Volvo Cork Week 2022
When you were small, what did you want to be as a grown-up? A fighter pilot (I blame 'Top Gun').
Tell us about your career progression to your role today: I grew up in Crosshaven and have been a member of the Royal Cork Yacht Club since I learned to sail in small dinghies.
It’s been a big part of my life since, including working in the club bar through my teens and competing at regattas here and abroad with other club members.
Being responsible for the racing at Volvo Cork Week 2022 is a great opportunity to put some of that great experience to good use.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of what you do? Cork Week has been a biannual fixture of the sailing calendar since 1978.
I love meeting visiting crews and hearing their stories of hard racing (and hard partying) at various Cork Weeks through the years.
What motivates you? The Royal Cork Yacht Club has been the home of yacht racing in Cork harbour for over 300 years, we’re aiming to ensure that it remains so for at least 300 more.
What advice would you give your 15 year old self? Find a mentor and be willing to listen.
If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing? More time on the water, less time on a computer.
What is your greatest life or career achievement to-date? Probably winning the Commodore’s Cup in 2014, with an Irish team largely made up of members from the Royal Cork Yacht Club. It was the culmination of a long campaign, and our success reflected a huge effort from all involved.
Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life? Donal McClement, one of the original architects of Cork Week, and was also the 1st person to bring me sailing offshore.
The rest, as they say, is history.
What is the life dream now? To work with interesting people on projects that make a real difference.
How do you switch off? A good podcast and a long walk.
What is your favourite Cork memory? Eating amazing local food at ‘The Long Table’ event at the Cork Midsummer Festival as the sun gently set on the South Mall. Magic.
What is your favourite place in Cork? Crosshaven.
Do you have a favourite quote or motto? “If you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re probably right.”
When are you at your happiest? Tired, salty, slightly sunburnt, and very thirsty after a day on the water.
What might we be surprised to know about you? I still ride a motorbike (the 'Top Gun' dream lives on).
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
Volvo Cork Week 2022 will take place from 11-15 July with boats of all types racing inside and outside of the harbour.
There are lots of places to get a great view of the action like Cobh promenade, Haulbowline Park or Fort Meagher in Crosshaven. In fact, all are well worth a visit at any time.
Factfile
Name and position: Ross Deasy, Racing Chairman, Volvo Cork Week 2022
Age: 43
Lives: Douglas
Family: Married to Alvin with 2 boys, Youen (10) and Isaac (8)
Pets: None
Favourite thing about Cork: Great people, beautiful countryside and an amazing coastline.
Least favourite thing about Cork: Car dependency and its effects on the public realm, particularly in Cork city centre.
One thing you’d change about Cork: More investment in public parks and amenities.