#Diving - RTÉ News reports that a man has died while diving near Roches Point at Cork Harbour yesterday (14 June).

The 45-year-old from Limerick, believed to be a member of a volunteer dive search and rescue team in North Cork, was rushed to treatment after surfacing from a dive.

Crosshaven RNLI reports that its lifeboat met the dive craft off Fort Camden and transferred volunteer crew member Ian Venner on board to administer first aid to the casualty.

The lifeboat was met ashore by lifeboat medical advisor Dr John Murphy, and first Aid continued until the casualty was handed over to the ambulance service. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 from Waterford was also tasked.



The diver later died at Cork University Hospital.

RTÉ News has more on the story HERE.

#wmr – The Petit Final led off today and provided a brilliant introduction to the display of match racing that was enthralling for the spectators to watch today writes Claire Bateman. Caroline Sylvan (SWE) put up a tough fight against Stephanie Roble (USA), but the American crew proved to be strongest at the end. With two straight wins they secured the bronze in the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship, the first event out of five on the 2014 Women's International Match Racing Series.

Finally the climax of this outstanding match racing event arrived and all were waiting with bated breath expecting a tremendous fight that lived up to all expectations and provided a display unequalled on the Cork Harbour scene for a number of years. Following a short delay to allow for the swopping of Stephanie Roble's (USA) boat, who in fact had come third in the series thus taking the bronze spot, all was in readiness and the scene set for the epic battle of the week and this in fact was what it turned out to be. With SSW breeze of 15 to 25 knots, a flooding tide, sunshine and shifty winds Anna Kjellberg of Sweden, World No. 2 and Camilla Ulrikkeholm World No. 1 entered the ding dong competition.

Ulrikkeholm gained an early advantage by winning the first match of the final. The flukey winds together with the flooding tide and strong current, really put it up to the sailors who gave it their all with a masterful display which was to last through the races for the final.

In the second match it was Kjellberg got through to victory and thus leaving it all to play for in match 3. Both teams started aggressively in race 3 with both clearly stating their intention to do the business. The Dane appeared to be in control of the situation when the Swede had a poor bottom mark rounding and it looked to be all over for her. However, the wily Swede went up the right side the beat and it paid off handsomely for her, taking the lead from the Dane and then held on in very tight circumstances and took the win.

Race 4 started with the tide turned. The start was again very aggressive with the Swede appearing to have the better of it. The wind seemed at it's strongest for this race. Both boats drag raced up the beat heading left. The Dane appeared marginally faster in the stronger conditions and got through. The pattern continued until the bottom mark when the Swede, who clearly wanted the right side of the course, threw a couple of dummy tacks to break the Dane's tight cover. Five minutes of racing later and it was all over bar the shouting. The smooth water on the right and a lucky shift took the Swede past the Dane and once through she never looked like losing and so it proved to be with the Swede taking the right hand side of the course downwind and gybing in the strongest breeze to power through to the finish and taking the winner's title in the final of the 2014 ISAF Women's Matching World Championships.

The prize giving followed in a very excited atmosphere with all very glad to be finished after a grueling week and showering the winner with congratulations and good wishes. A very lovely little human touch was added and made a perfect ending to the ceremonies when by kind permission of ISAF, Anna Kjellberg's little five week old daughter, Vera, was brought out to join with her mother to receive her very own gold medal to mark the auspicious occasion.

A wonderful end to a wonderful week.

ISAF Press Release

Olympic sailor and World #2 Anna Kjellberg of the Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club was crowned 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Champion in Cork Harbour this afternoon. Together with her crew – Karin Almquist, Vanja Lundberg and Annika Carlunger – the Swede defeated Danish World #1 Camilla Ulrikkeholm (DEN) 3 – 1 in their Scandinavian battle off Crosshaven, the home of the world's oldest yacht club.

"This is absolutely incredible. We've never before sailed a regatta with such a great crew feeling," the Swedish skipper smiled. "The last few weeks of my life have been completely crazy, giving birth to my daughter just five weeks ago, and now this," she said, laughing and shaking her head.

With three victories needed to win the final of the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship, Ulrikkeholm gained an early advantage by winning the first match of the final. Strong but very shifting and puffy winds, together with a swift current, put the sailors to the test. The second meeting ended in a fierce fight around the course, but Kjellberg kept control and passed the finish line one boat length ahead of her opponent.

When the Swedes won the third match, they put Ulrikkeholm under great pressure to break back. In the fourth match the Danes got away ahead, but didn't cover the Swedes well enough on the second upwind. Kjellberg was allowed to tack away for clear air, found an advantageous wind shift and passed into a leading position which she was able to maintain to the finish.

"We've improved in every match during this regatta, and we know that in match racing it's never over until it's over. I think we had the right nerves today, with a rather calm feeling in the boat even when the competition was tough," Kjellberg analysed after her golden match.

On her loss Ulrikkeholm commented, "In these conditions it was hard also to be ahead. We made some mistakes not covering the Swedes enough, and then we didn't have as good boat handling as the other days of the regatta."

Kjellberg's bowman Annika Carlunger had no less than seven World Championship silver medals before this regatta, sailing with different helmsmen over the years. Now she got her eagerly awaited gold medal and shouted after having passed the finish line, "Finally, after all these years."

In the Petit Final Caroline Sylvan (SWE) put up a tough fight against Stephanie Roble (USA), but the American crew proved to be strongest at the end. With two straight wins they secured the bronze in the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship, the first event out of five on the 2014 Women's International Match Racing Series.

"We never felt comfortably in control, but my team did an awesome job all the way around the course," said Roble who praised her crew.

"We've done some fantastic races, and we're proud to be the second Swedish crew in the top four of this Championship," Sylvan smiled, not too disappointed.

Results in the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship, the first event out of five on the 2014 Women's International Match Racing Series:

Final:
Anna Kjellberg, SWE, defeated Camilla Ulrikkeholm, DEN, 3 – 1

Petit final:
Stephanie Roble, USA, defeated Caroline Sylvan, SWE, 2 – 0

Total results (skipper name, country, prize money, WIM Series points):
1. Anna Kjellberg, SWE, 3 000 €, 25
2. Camilla Ulrikkeholm, DEN, 2 000 €, 22
3. Stephanie Roble, USA, 1 500 €, 20
4. Caroline Sylvan, SWE, 1 250 €, 16
5. Anne-Claire Le Berre, FRA, 1 000 €, 15
6. Klaartje Zuiderbaan, NED, 750 €, 14
7. Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen, DEN, 500 €, 13
8. Claudia Pierce, NZL, – ,12
9. Annabel Vose, GBR, – , 10
10. Mary O'Loughlin, IRL, – , 8
11. Laura Dillon, IRL, – , 6
12. Lucie Scheiwiller, FRA, – , 4
13. Anne-Christianne Kentgens, NED, – , –

#wmr – World #1 Camilla Ulrikkeholm of Denmark defeat Sweden's Caroline Sylvan 3 – 0 in their semi-final of the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship in front of large spectator crowds in Cork harbour this afternoon.

In the other semi-final of the first event on the 2014 Women's International Match Racing Series, the Swedish crew helmed by world #2 Anna Kjellberg went through to the final after beating Stephanie Roble of the USA. It took some thrilling matches until the matter was solved with the Swede winning 3-2: "We managed to keep our good flow from the quarter finals, and I think we sailed five really good races against Roble," analysed Kjellberg.

Kjellberg won the first match and Roble the next two. The exciting fourth match showed the crowds at the Camden Fort Meagher grandstand a whole bunch of the tricks that skilled match racing sailors at this top level keep up their sleeves. Finally it was the Swedish crew who best handled the shifty winds, complex tide and choppy waves, controlling their boat and the American opponent all the way through to the finish.

When entering from port for the fifth match, Kjellberg lost focus for a few seconds and did not keep clear of Roble, who approached on starboard tack, and was immediately penalised by the umpires. "It's so obvious that on this level you can't afford the slightest mistake. I shouted to my girl's that we'd have to do the match of our lives," Kjellberg explained.

The Swedes managed to get over the starting line even with Roble and a frenetic tacking duel up the first beat began. After rounding the top mark the Americans didn't fill their kite fast enough, allowing Kjellberg to stretch away by few boat lengths. On the second upwind the Swedes had extended their lead enough to quite comfortably take their penalty turn, and when Roble repeated her spinnaker problems on the last downwind, the Swedish victory was sealed.

"I saw Stephanie coming with great pressure from behind, but I never thought she was threatening us," Kjellberg said.

Roble commented, "It was close racing and I'm proud of the way we sailed today. It's a team effort around the course and we all worked very hard. Anna made less mistakes and that paid off, so I'm wishing her the best for tomorrow."

With two Swedish teams in opposite semi-finals, the odds for seeing them in the final of the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship were quite good. But as the other semi-final was sailed between Ulrikkeholm and Sylvan, the Dane showed that it's no coincidence she's on top of the ISAF Women's Match Race Rankings as she defeated her Swedish opponent in three straight matches.

"We got a penalty in the second prestart, after a stupid mistake from the skipper, but still managed to get ahead and win that one. And the other two matches I think we controlled very well, staying in the right position," Ulrikkeholm said.

On the defeat Sylvan said, "They covered us completely and didn't allow us any game room at all. We raced the best we could and learned a few new tricks, but they were obviously the best today."

The final is scheduled for 11.30am tomorrow (08 June).

All results provisional

Results in the semi-finals of the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship, the first event on the 2014 Women's International Match Racing Series. The winning skippers advance to the final:

Camilla Ulrikkeholm, DEN, defeated Caroline Sylvan, SWE, 3 – 0

Anna Kjellberg, SWE, defeated Stephanie Roble, USA, 3 – 2

The results in the sail-offs for place 5 – 8:
5. Anne-Claire Le Berre, FRA
6. Klaartje Zuiderbaan, NED
7. Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen, DEN
8. Claudia Pierce, NZL

#wmr – 17 races were successfully sailed to complete the quarter final stage of the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship in Cork Harbour today. Strong winds gusting almost 30 knots and heavy rain delayed proceedings for a number of hours. Shortly after noon the breeze dropped to a manageable 18 knots the eight teams made their way out to the calm waters below Camden Fort Meagher to begin Day 3 of the regatta.

Paired randomly, the first four teams to win three races apiece would be the ones to advance. An intense five hour battle ensued, fraught with drama, as the sailors went head-to-head for the coveted semi-final places.

First to qualify was overnight leader and World #1 Camilla Ulrikkeholm from Denmark. She and her three-woman crew expertly claimed three consecutive wins against Klaartje Zuiderbaan knocking the Dutch team out. World #2 Anna Kjellberg then reigned supreme in her fight against the French Anne-Claire Le Berre.

Having already lost two teams, Ireland's remaining hope hung on the Kiwi team skippered by Claudia Pierce but crewed by three Irish girls. Despite Mayo's Ellen Cahill losing her footing and going for a swim, the ladies put up a fierce battle against their American rivals. Tied on two wins each, it all hinged on their final match race but it was Stephanie Roble that came out on top moving Team USA forward to the next round.

An equipment issue caused a frustrating delay in the last quarter final was between Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen and Caroline Sylvan. With three races completed the two Scandinavians teams had no option but to wait patiently on the water because of a problem with one of the spinnakers. Once two other boats became available the crews transferred in and the final race of the day got underway. The final score of 3-1 meant Sylvan will join her fellow Swede in the penultimate day of the championship tomorrow.

#wmr – Another day of picture perfect conditions greeted the sailors in Crosshaven for Day 2 of the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship. Although the wind was a little light to begin with in the morning, the sun glistened off the pristine waters of Cork Harbour and the south-easterly picked up to a steady 10-12 knots in the afternoon leading to some thrilling racing for the sailors.

For eight straight hours the top international teams went head-to-head while spectators watched from the natural perch provided by Camden Fort Meagher. A staggering 42 races were sailed for what was the second day of the Round-Robin stage in the regatta. Only the top eight teams were going to progress forward to tomorrow's quarter finals so the slightest error aboard the fleet of J80 keelboats could have had dramatic consequences.

Overnight leader and World #1 Camilla Ulrikkeholm had a further five wins today increasing her total number of victories so far to 10. However, in an exciting turn of events fellow Dane Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen and France's Anne-Claire Le Berre also finished the Round-Robin having only conceded two loses a piece. This meant that the umpires had to analyse each race result and competitor rankings in order to settle the three-way-tie-break. Ultimately it was Ulrikkeholm who retained her spot at the top of the leader board followed by Meldgaard Pedersen in second and Le Berre in third.

Two teams were sailing under the Irish flag but neither Laura Dillon nor Mary O'Loughlin won enough races to make tomorrow's cut. Although, sailing with World #15 skipper Claudia Pierce from New Zealand and finishing 4th are three talented Irish sailors; Diana Kissane from Dublin, Isabella Morehead from Cork and Ellen Cahill from Mayo. National pride will now weight on their young shoulders.

The format for the quarter finals will see teams face off against each other in a randomly selected knock out series. The first team in each pairing to reach three wins will go through to the semi-finals. Racing is scheduled for tomorrow (06 June) but due to the forecast of heavy rain and strong winds racing may be postponed until Saturday. Event organisers had also planned a 'Sail in the City' festival in Cork for tomorrow but due to the anticipated adverse weather the decision was made on Wednesday to cancel the event.

The first eight skippers advance to the quarter-finals:

1. Camilla Ulrikkeholm, DEN, 10 – 2
2. Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen, DEN, 10 – 2
3. Anne-Claire Le Berre, FRA, 10 – 2
4. Claudia Pierce, NZL, 9 – 3
5. Stephanie Roble, USA, 9 – 3
6. Anna Kjellberg, SWE, 7 – 5
7. Caroline Sylvan, SWE, 6 – 6
8. Klaartje Zuiderbaan, NED, 5 – 7
9. Annabel Vose, GBR, 4 – 8
10. Mary O'Loughlin, IRL, 3 – 9
11. Laura Dillon, IRL, 2 – 10
12. Lucie Scheiwiller, FRA, 2 – 10
13. Anne-Christianne Kentgens, NED, 1 – 11

#corkharbour – Today the waters of Cork harbour saw the commencement of the first leg of the series to decide the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing Worlds Championship writes Claire Bateman

The initial stages of the competition started today with a Round Robin series where each skipper is scheduled to sail against each other skipper once and from there the top eight skippers will move on to the quarter finals from whence they will move on to semi finals, petit finals and the final. Racing will take place on this basis until Sunday, June 8th. By this stage one hundred and thirty one on one races will have been sailed.

A perfect June sailing morning with some 14 to 18 knots of North Westerly breeze going more towards the west as the day progressed, greeted the competitors on their arrival at the Royal Cork Yacht Club . With International Race Officer Peter Crowley in charge racing got under way on time. As forecast, some squally showers were experienced and provided some thrills and spills for both competitors and spectators.

Among the 13 international teams representing eight nations are two Irish entries skippered by Laura Dillon from Howth Yacht Club and Mary O'Loughlin from Royal St George Yacht Club in Dublin. The first race was between Dillon's Team Ireland 1 and Team Sweden 2 skippered by Caroline Sylvia. The first day nerves settled quickly and Dillon's team matched Team Sweden 2 on their every move. Team Ireland 1 crew Maria Coleman (ex-Irish Olympian) commented "The day was challenging for everyone, ensuring you gained the maximum of your upwind boat speed however this let us down a little today, but we know we have the pre- starts nailed". Unfortunately a mighty broach by Dillon cost the Irish team the race and it took some time to rectify.

Team New Zealand skippered by Claudia Pierce and crewed by her newly recruited Irish team mates had a sparkling day. "We had a great pre start against Anne Claire Le Berre's Team France pushing her out and making her do penalty turns at the start. This let us get away and sail clean for the race".

However, it was the two Danish teams that dominated the day. World #1 Camilla Ulrikkeholm and World #4 Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen ensured straight wins for all of their respective races. They were followed closely by Stephanie Roble of the USA with only one loss of the day

Forecast for tomorrow (Thurs) is for 10 to 14 knots from the south east.

Event organisers had planned a 'Sail in the City' festival for this Friday (06 June) but due to the forecast of heavy rain and strong winds the decision has been made to cancel the event.

All results provisional

#portofcork – This June Bank Holiday weekend the Port of Cork will welcome four cruise liners bringing a staggering 9,000 passengers and crew to the Cork region. As well as cruise liners, Cork Harbour will be a hive of activity with participants of Ocean to City taking part in the annual rowing race and the arrival of the ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship.

The smallest of the four liners, MV Amadea and MV Minerva will arrive on Sunday 1st June, while on Monday 2nd June MV Queen Victoria will be in Cobh and MV Ruby Princess will berth in Ringaskiddy.

As part of the MV Queen Victoria's visit to Cobh, the Port of Cork and Cunard will jointly hold a Lusitania Memorial Service in the centre of the town on Monday morning. This is an event which Cunard do for all their visits to Cobh and this year, the Port of Cork will be using the opportunity to discuss the 100th anniversary of the Lusitania in 2015 with Cunard. On the 7th May 2015, Cunard will bring the MV Queen Victoria back to Cobh, on their 'Lusitania Remembered' themed cruise.

Commenting on the busy weekend ahead, Port of Cork Commercial Manager, Captain Michael McCarthy said: 'This is a busy weekend for the port, not just with commercial and cruise traffic but also with leisure activities around the harbour. Ocean to City takes place this weekend and that takes careful coordination between our port operations and the participants of the rowing race, to ensure both work together on the water, in a safe and sensible manner. If the weather remains dry and warm for the weekend we can expect to see lots of leisure boats enjoying the harbour also.'

Following the weekend, the ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championships will arrive in Cork Harbour and will compete throughout the week. This match racing event, sponsored by the Port of Cork and Cork County Council will provide some exciting sailing for spectators to view. During the week Camden Fort Meagher in Crosshaven will be the best vantage point to watch the racing, while on Friday 6th June the women will race in the heart of Cork City at the City Quays. As well as the racing there will be live entertainment, food and drink, plus the Irish Navy's new vessel LE Samuel Beckett will be in the City and open to the public.

#corkharbour – A prize fund of €10,000 has been allocated to the top women sailors competing at next week's ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championships at Royal Cork Yacht Club in Cork Harbour writes Claire Bateman.

Thirteen international teams are due in the home of sailing, the Royal Cork Yacht Club, in Crosshaven from June 3rd to 8th to compete at this year's World Championship. This includes Danish Sailor Camilla Ulrikkeholm World No 1 in the Women's World Matching Racing Rankings. The New Zealand entry having to leave her own team at home has managed to pick up some of Irelands top match racing sailors including Bella Morehead and Diana Kissane who were runners up in the Irish Match Racing trials in April 2014. The US entry Stephanie Roble with her team Epic Racing are also in deep preparation for their trip to Ireland and have been practising with the US Youth Squad and some of the top US coaches including Dave Perry and Taylor Canfield.

Chairman of the event Ronan Enright said " Having a prize fund shows the commitment this event has to attract some of the world's best sailors, it also shows how fortunate we are to have sponsors like Cork County Council and Port Of Cork without whom we could not run such events."

Great racing is expected with strong competition for the prize fund on offer. Spectators are guaranteed nail biting sailing – all from the comfort of Camden Fort Meagher in Crosshaven. Not only will they enjoy breath taking views of Cork Harbour, they will have unrivalled birds eye viewing of the best match racing to be seen in Cork Harbour this year.

For this event the prize money will be allocated to the first 7 teams.

Prize Money Allocation:
1st €3000
2nd €2000
3rd €1500
4th €1250
5th €1000
6th €750
7th €500

#corkharbour – Celebrating ten years, the Ocean to City Maritime Festival returns for the ultimate oceanic urban experience and a programme of exciting events for the June Bank Holiday Weekend.

Taking place in Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, Ocean to City is a true flagship event celebrating Ireland's unique maritime culture and heritage. Ocean to City offers something for everyone; from cheering on the spectacular fleet of boats at the many vantage points along the race, to a variety of boat trips, harbour tours, surf and sail tasters, kayak excursions, films, markets, music, craic and free family entertainment.

This year's festival programme is full of opportunities for the people of Cork to get out on the water and get a taste of maritime culture.

The festival offers a dramatic new way to explore the city with Corkumnavigation, Meitheal Mara's tidal guidebook exploring the 29 bridges and 8 weirs around the central island of Cork. Water thirsty folk can also enjoy the River Lee Kayak Expedition - paddling along the city quays and out to Blackrock Castle to see the city from a different view. All throughout the festival there are also lots of sailing, sea kayaking, surfing and powerboating tasters on offer for those seeking adventure.

For the landlubbers among you, there are also many fun and accessible events in the lead up to the big race; from Currach Exhibiton Uisce agus Adhmad and the City to Ocean - Cruise of Cork Harbour, to a Jaws Movie Night aboard the Bryan J. Kids especially will enjoy Cllr. Kieran McCarthy's Make a Model Boat project which is back on the 1st of June at Cork's Lough. Last year over 60 boats were submitted and this year promises all sorts of weird and wonderful creations.

The highlight of the festival, the 28km Ocean to City race An Rás Mór, takes place on Saturday 31st May. Now in its tenth year, it has grown from its origins as a race for traditional fixed-seat boats into an all-inclusive rowing event; embracing everything from traditional wooden working boats, currachs, skiffs, gigs and longboats to contemporary ocean racing shells, kayaks and canoes. The race attracts about 500 participants annually and this year includes crews from England, Scotland, The Netherlands, Spain and Canada.

For the big race day, Cork City and Harbour are awash with activities of all sorts. Spectators can follow the spectacular fleet of boats by bicycle, by boat or from the finish line at Lapp's Quay. Join a group of cyclists heading to Passage West for a first glimpse of boats; or stay close to the action and hop aboard the classic schooner Spirit of Oysterhaven to accompany the race through Cork Harbour.

Plan your race day with a stop along the route and some free family entertainment at one of our prime vantage points. Visit the festivities at Cobh's promenade, at the Passage West Picnic or watch the Youth Race set off with celebrations at Blackrock Castle. The finish line at Lapp's Quay will be a big party with live broadcasts and updates from the "Stream Team" along the route, a street market, Naval Tours of the L.E Aisling, kayak demos, street spectacle, music and much more.

Ocean to City is organised by Meitheal Mara, a community boatyard and nationally-accredited training centre in the heart of Cork city. Meitheal Mara is dedicated to promoting and fostering maritime culture and traditional skills through currach and wooden boat building.

For more information on the festival please visit www.oceantocity.com or see the festival brochure for more details.

#matchrace – A most unusual event will take place off Albert Quay, Cork, on June 6th from 2pm to 6pm when some of the world's top ranked women match racing sailors will match race in J80 sailboats with full running commentary explaining the intricacies of the sport for the spectators writes Claire Bateman.

The ISAF Womens Match Racing World Championship to be sailed in Crosshaven from June 3rd to 8th is the opening event for the 2014 Womens Match Series. It is a professional sailing circuit hosted by the Womens International Match Racing Association for the world's leading women match racing sailors. As the name implies, the crews meet two by two in exciting duels that can easily be followed and, most importantly, can be understood by spectators. For the rest of the days involved the daily racing can be viewed from Camden Fort Meagher in Crosshaven.

Another first for the city will be the appearance of the Irish Navy's new flagship, LE Samuel Beckett which will be open to the public for the occasion giving all a chance to see this magnificent new vessel.

The event is sponsored by Cork County Council and the Port of Cork and provides an excellent opportunity to promote Cork and Crosshaven on the world map and to showcase the facilities of Cork Harbour and surrounding areas. 

Entertainment will be provided and there will be a full bar and high quality artisan food along the quay for everyone to enjoy. Meitheal Mara with their boats will add to this spectacular maritime occasion.