With over 40 confirmed entries already, Calves Week Regatta in Schull Harbour, West Cork, from August 8th-11th, is expected to reach its 70-boat cut-off by early summer.
The top end of the entries looks particularly competitive, with seven J Boat models already registered.
Racing under spinnaker at Calves Week in West Cork Photo: Bob Bateman
The Jones family in their J122 Jelly Baby will be anxious to retain last season’s crown while fending off stiff competition from the two Royal Irish visitors, Paul O'Higgin’s JPK 10.80 Rockabill VI and Patrick Burke's First 40.7 Prima Forte, while Norbert O Reilly's Howth J111, Ghost Raider, on its first visit to West Cork, could well spring a surprise.
There are over 40 confirmed entries already for Calves Week Regatta 2023 Photo: Bob Bateman
In the class 1 fleet, Leslie Parnell’s First 34.7 Black Velvet will hope to continue their successful outing in this event over the past seasons, but a fully crewed up J109 Tighey Boy led by local club member Tony O'Brien will be hoping to spoil the party.
Leslie Parnell’s First 34.7 Black Velvet Photo: Bob Bateman
Tony O'Brien's J109, Tighey Boy Photo: Bob Bateman
The Collins family from Baltimore Sailing Club are planning to retain their class 3 trophy in their Dehler 34 but will face renewed competition from the two RCYC quarter tonners; the Garvey/Kelleher sailed Diamond and the first visit of Fiona and Nigel Young's Albin Express, North Star.
The Dehler 34, Ealu Photo: Bob Bateman
In class 4, Rob O'Reilly of the host club, sailing his Dynamo 25 Bonjourno, will once again face serious competition from Richard Hanley’s GK 24 from KYC and a resurgent local Sadler 32 Raffles, with the Kirby/Norris crew hoping to put last year’s disappointment behind them.
In a very competitive White Sail Class 1 fleet, Kieran O'Brien’s MG 335 Magnet from the Royal Cork Yacht Club will hope that the winter sails upgrade will pay dividends, while in White Sail Division 2, Simon O'Keefe’s 1902 vintage Lady Min, fresh from her recent win at the International Classic Boats award in London, will once again hope to put manners on her younger sisters, in what may be the largest of the six fleets in the event.
A sponsors reception opens Calves Week on August Monday, followed by four days of racing, with the nightly presentation of prizes and live musical entertainment on Schull Main Street.
