With over 60 confirmed entries at present, the 2018 Calves Week organised by Schull Harbour Sailing Club from August 7th- 10th, is again shaping up to provide competitive and exciting racing for the annual West Cork festival of sailing writes Bob Bateman.
The week will see principle sponsor Frank Whelan of Gas Analysis Services hoping to continue his winning streak on his Grand Soleil “Eleuthera”, when he will again go head to head with Conor Phelan's “Jump Juice “in class one.
Eleuthera comes to Calves Week on the back of Cork Week success Photo: Bob Bateman
This year’s event incorporates a race in the SCORA offshore series and will feature racing for six classes, with new principal race officer Alan Crosbie promising a variety of laid Buoy’s and the natural marks of Roaring water bay.
"This year’s event incorporates a race in the SCORA offshore series"
The traditional overnight, SCORA race, starts from Crosshaven on Friday night August 3rd at 19.00 Hours. On Monday, the Baltimore regatta race will provide ample opportunity for skippers and crews to familiarise themselves with Carbery’s Hundred Isles.
The opening reception and registration take place from 17.30 hours at the Fastnet Marine Centre on Monday, August 6th. The first “round the islands” race fleet starts at 11.55 on Tuesday and on Wednesday the fleets will sail a variety of courses in Long Island Bay. Thursday will see the combined fleets head for the Fastnet Rock, with the smaller boats starting first.
Racing at Calves Week in 2017 Photo: Bob Bateman
The series finishes on Friday with racing in Roaring Water Bay, followed by the overall presentation of prizes and closing ceremony on Schull Main Street.
Local racing on Saturday continues with Crookhaven Regatta, and for those with still some stamina left, Schull Regatta Committee finishes off the week in style with an all in Cruiser race and an impressive display of shoreside activities on Sunday.
