Outputs and Results
Cool Route had a number of distinct work-packages, all of which have important outputs for the development of the route.
The Route Logistics and Gap Analysis Study was led by Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland. This study determines the availability of suitable stopover facilities a distances of 25 nautical miles throughout the route. It also examines the onshore ancillary facilities such as shower and toilet blocks.
The Route Marketing Plan was designed to promote these cruising grounds internationally. The marketing strategy work-package was led by the Royal Cork Yacht Club, Crosshaven, Cork, has recently completed a a traffic study which identifies main source markets and potential vessel numbers.
The Route Business Plan was led by the lead partner Cork Institute of Technology, through its Hincks Centre for Excellence in Entrepreneurship
The project also developed a Route Booking and Information System, led by Derry and Strabane District Council, Northern Ireland.
A final work-package on Route Realisation and Commercialisation is led by Cork Institute of Technology
Project parter Donegal County Council, is leading the work-package on Project Communications and Stakeholder Engagements.
Other project partners are the Port Authority of Torshavn in the Faroe Islands and the Western Norway Research Institute , based in Songdal, Western Norway.
The project main website is www.sailcoolroute.eu
The Cool Route
The Cool Route, a world class cruising grounds for sailing and motor vessels is the main project ouput.
Traditionally these craft voyaged almost exclusively in seas such as the Mediterranean and Caribbean. This is begining to change and the coastlines from Cork to Tromso are already seeing an increase in visiting vessles. These range from private cruising yachts and motor vessels, to larger superyachts and also garden liners, carying perhaps 100 or so passengers and which can enter into ports and harbours along the Cool Route coasts.
The project aims to market and increase awareness of the many attractions of coastal areas of the Northern Periohery and Arctic zone. These include fantasic scenery, amazing history and culture. The first Cool Routers were the Vikings who travelled from Norway to the coast of Southern Ireland in the early 9th.Century. The route was a principal highway fir trade in the middle ages, its richness also includes h7gh quality foids and crafts, a wide range of activity pursuits , music and wildlife.
The projects mian focus is to engance and provide new business opportunities for a wide range of Marine and Tourism related SMEs located throughout the Cool Route.
Follow the Cool Route on Twitter #eucoolroute and Facebook.com/eucoolroute