The overall Cork Harbour league winner in the Thursday August-September league in the IRC Spinnaker Division was Michael McCann’s Etchells Don’t Dilly Dally, with Sean Hanley’s HB 31, Luas, second and Ria Lyden’s X332 Ellida third.

Under ECHO handicap Ellida was first, with Luas second and Don’t Dilly Dally third.

IRC Whitesail Division Thursday overall was won by Kieran O’Brien’s MG335 Magnet, with Pat Vaughan’s Contessa 33, Aramis, second and Ian Hickey’s Granada, Cavatina, third.

Kieran O’Brien’s MG335 Magnet Photo: Bob Bateman

In ECHO handicap Whitesail, Aramis was the winner, with Cavatina second and Paul O’Shea’s Sun Odyssey 36i, Elegance, third.

Gusting wind to over 22 knots at times, heavy rain and wind over tide all contributed to testing conditions on the last night of the Friday August-September Whitesail league, the heavy conditions, reduced the fleet to a turn-out of four boats which had a lively evening’s sailing.

The MacSweeney Family’s Sigma 33, Scribbler Photo: Bob Bateman

The overall league winner was the MacSweeney Family’s Sigma 33, Scribbler, with Kieran O’Halloran’s Stingray second and Rob Foster’s Clodagh third.

On Saturday, George Radley Jr's Skipper 70 Pat Mustard won the Moonduster Trophy in Cove Sailing Club's Cobh to Blackrock Race in Cork Harbour.

Radley finished the 6.5 nautical miles course in a corrected time of one hour, 12 minutes and 30 seconds, approximately two minutes ahead of Micheal McCann's Etchells 22 Don't Dilly Dally on 1:14:27 corr.

Third was Tom MacSweeney of this parish in the Sigma 33, Scribbler II, 1:19:10 corrected.

George Radley Jr's Pat Mustard gets ahead under her blue spinnaker in the opening stages of a light airs edition of Cove Sailing Club's Cobh to Blackrock Race 2023 Photo: Bob Bateman

The annual race encountered some setbacks despite initial plans for three starts and arrival in Cork city for the Ireland-Romania World Cup Rugby Match.

Unfortunately, the lack of wind disrupted these plans, causing a delay of about an hour. However, hardworking Cove Sailing Club Commodore Dominic Losty hoisted the postponement flag, and everyone waited patiently.

George Radley Jr's Skipper 70 Pat Mustard crew are presented with the Moonduster Trophy for their IRC overall win in Cove Sailing Club's Cobh to Blackrock Race in Cork Harbour

Thankfully, Dom announced that pressure was heading the fleet's way over the VHF radio, and as this is a race that requires a flood tide, all fleets started together, creating a grand spectacle off Cobh.

A grand spectacle - the Cobh to Blackrock race fleet depart Cobh Photo: Bob Bateman

McCann in the Etchells 22 showed great determination by getting a great start, followed by the IOR design Bataleur 88, with Radley sneaking in behind on the Skipper 70, flying a blue spinnaker.

Little and large - The 2023 Cobh to Blackrock Race fleet was an all-in affair for dinghies, one design keelboats and cruiser-racers Photo: Bob Bateman

As the yachts and dinghies made their way up the river, it became clear that the ebb tide had started, and with the light breeze, not all could make it. So, near Little Island and within sight of Blackrock, the course was shortened.

As Afloat reported previously, Cove SC opened entry for the race in August and encouraged as many boats as possible, including motor and sail, to take part in its RNLI Rally Class. Full battle dress and music are definitely encouraged. 

The race is hosted in conjunction with the RNLI.

Despite the light wind setbacks, it was a grand finale to the Cove Sailing Club's Sailing Season on a beautiful day.

Bob Bateman's Cobh to Blackrock Race 2023 Photo Gallery 

Cork County Council has committed to considering the appointment of a harbourmaster to oversee Cork Harbour.

According to Echo Live, the full- or part-time role as suggested at the latest southern committee meeting would involve managing, maintaining and developing some 13 publicly owned water-related infrastructural assets in the harbour.

“We need a harbourmaster, or similar, with a physical presence in Cork Harbour every day of the week,” said independent councillor Marcia D’Alton, whose motion tabling the idea was passed.

Echo Live has more on the story HERE.

There were huge congratulations to all 550 international and national participants who conquered the Rás Mór this year, the highlight of Cork Harbour's Ocean to City Festival. 

Royal Cork Yacht Club was the centre of attention on Saturday as rowing craft of all kinds were launched in glorious sunshine in anticipation of the weekend's centrepiece event, An Rás Mór, Cork harbour’s Ocean to City race as Afloat reported here.

The coastal rowing event organised by the traditional boat group Meitheal Mara returned to the water this weekend after a break of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prizewinners included Clarecastle Boys, and Fergus Currach Club, who won 1st Currach Ocean. Vartry Dragons were first in the Celtic Longboat, and Thames Dragon BC was first in the Dragon Boat on the Rocky Island Course. 

Scroll down for a full list of winners below

Best of Boat Worlds of Naomhóga Chorcaí, winners of the 1st Relay Crew on the Ocean Course of this year's Ocean to City - An Rás Mór. Photo: Andrei Scintian

Cork Harbour Ocean to City Prize Winners 2023 (sub prizes)

Thames Dragon Boat Club from the UK, winners of the 1st Dragon Boat of this year's Ocean to City - An Rás Mór. Photo: Andrei Scintian

Cork Harbour Ocean to City Prize Winners 2023 (main prizes)

Firth of Clyde Coastal Rowing Club from the UK, winners of the 2nd St Ayles Skiff on the Ocean Course of this year's Ocean to City - An Rás Mór. Photo: Andrei Scintian

Vartry Dragons from Ireland and Wales, winners of 1st Celtic Longboat on the Ocean Course of this year's Ocean to City - An Rás Mór. Photo: Andrei Scintian

 The Mairead Kellys of Naomhóga Chorcaí, winners of the 1st Women's Crew and 1st Veteran Crew on the City Course of this year's Ocean to City - An Rás Mór. Photo: Andrei Scintian

Royal Cork Yacht Club was the centre of attention on Saturday as rowing craft of all kinds were launched in glorious sunshine in anticipation of the weekend's centrepiece event, An Rás Mór, Cork harbour’s Ocean to City race.

The coastal rowing event organised by the traditional boat group Meitheal Mara returned to the water this weekend after a break of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The multi-craft rowing and paddling race has attracted a fleet of over 200 boats.

Crosshaven is the official start venue of the main fleet in the Ocean to City Race 2023

Now in its 18th year, the all-inclusive rowing event welcomes traditional wooden working boats, gigs, skiffs, sloops, lifeboats, longboats, cutters and currachs, kayaks, canoes, ocean sliding-seat boats and stand-up paddleboards as depicted in Bob Bateman's photo gallery below.

Billed as Ireland's largest long-distance rowing and paddling race, Ocean to City has four-course distances to choose from across the 28 km course - as in two, seven, 12 and 15 nautical miles, all finishing in Cork city centre.

Ocean to City Rowing Race in Cork Harbour 2023 Photo Gallery

Cork Harbour Festival starts this week to celebrate Cork’s greatest natural amenities, Cork Harbour and the River Lee, through a packed festival programme across 10 days from 2 – 11 June.

The festival highlights the incredible choice of attractions and activities, heritage sites, cultural experiences and stories there are to discover in Cork City and Harbour. With over 80 events from 50 event providers to explore in this year’s festival programme, and with many offered for free or discounted, there is plenty to choose from.

Cork Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world, and Cork Harbour Festival offers countless ways to explore it. Take an exciting 2 hour Evening Rib Tour of Cork Harbour with Cork Harbour Boat Hire (2 & 9 June); Explore the Wildlife & Coastline of Cork Harbour with Cork Sea Safari (4 & 5 June). Get behind the wheel of a powerboat with SailCork (3, 6, 7 June). Or do a Stand Up Paddle Tour on the River Lee with Cork City SUP (9 June). If you prefer to stay on land, take a Cork Greenway Cycle Tour with Beyond the Glass Adventure Tours and cycle along the harbour shoreline (2,3,7-10 June).

Running throughout the festival are loads of family activities and entertainment. Families can also enjoy a Floating Classroom with the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, aboard their Celtic Mist Research Vessel (3-5 June). The ever popular Cork Ghost Tour is back this year for more hilarious frights and hysterical delights for all the family (7, 8, 9 June). Or enjoy a high-octane comedic dinner theatre experience unlike anything else in Ireland with Hysterical Histories Cork (6-10 June).

Ocean to City – An Rás Mór, Saturday 3 June:

Excitement is building ahead of the return of Ocean to City – An Rás Mór this Saturday June 3rd. The race is one of Ireland's most ambitious rowing and paddling spectacles. Cork Harbour comes alive with colour and activity as 550 Irish and international participants compete in a gruelling race across the harbour. Participants travel from across Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States and will bring 200 boats to the event.

On the day, there will be family friendly entertainment at various vantage points along Cork Harbour, including Cobh, Monkstown, Blackrock and Cork City. At 12pm, at The Promenade in Cobh, in association with Cobh Tourism and Cobh Animation Team, spectators can cheer on race participants as they power by while enjoying music and live commentary. At 12.30pm, soak up the action in Monkstown and cheer on all the participants starting their Ocean to City ‘half marathon’. In Blackrock, spectators can encourage the Youth Race crews from 12.45pm as they row their colourful currachs over the 4km course to the finish line. The Youth Race is organised by Meitheal Mara as part of their Bádóireacht programme. At the finish line at Lapp’s Quay in Cork City, enjoy the big spectacle with entertainment, music, live commentary, and food from 1.30 pm onwards.

The second of the May/June series of Cove Sailing Club's midweek races was sailed on Wednesday, 17th May, in Cork Harbour.

A fine fleet of 19 boats took to the water, with Fevas, Rankins, and Lasers/ILCAs competing.

In his Laser, Kieran Dorgan took line honours and was a clear winner on corrected time in his first league outing.

ILCA 7 sailor Kieran Dorgan competing in the Cove Sailing Club Midweek League in Cork Harbour Photo: Afloat

Richard Marshall, sailing his Rankin, R30, continued his form, finishing second, having won the inaugural race.

In all, four Rankins finished in the top six on corrected time.

George Radley, in his Topper, Spice, finished third.

Eric and Flynn Johanssen in their newly restored Rankin, R39 – Cooleen Photo: Bob Bateman

The Johanssen father and son team (Eric and Flynn) continue testing their newly acquired Rankin, R39 – Cooleen, recently restored by the Rankin class.

They are taking a very active part in the sailing at CSC.

With two races sailed, Rankins are in the top four places

• Richard Marshall’s R30 on 3 points
• John Horgan’s Freedom, TR2 on 7 points
• Owen O Connell’s Helga R61, on 8 points
• Maurice Kidney’s R12 on 9 points

Cove Sailing Club midweek racing Photo Gallery by Bob Bateman

The Naval Service has welcomed a pair of inshore patrol vessels (IPV) to its fleet following the arrival in Cork Harbour of the former Royal New Zealand Navy ships.

The 'Lake' series HMNZS Pukaki and HMNZS Rotoiti which were built in Australia to serve the RNZN until 2019, were purchased last year by the Department of Defence for a total of €26 million.

On Sunday afternoon the 156m cargo ship, Big Lift Happy Dynamic carrying the IPV's had arrived in Cork Harbour following a month long 18,000km journey from Auckland Harbour, New Zealand.

The heavy-lift cargoship passed Roches Point Lighthouse at the mouth of Cork Harbour and berthed at the deep water quay in Ringaskiddy, adjacent to the ferry terminal.

Unloading of the 55m vessels from the Dutch owned cargo vessel is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, once certain preparatory work is done.

The deck-mounted cranes of the Happy Dynamic will lower the IPV's into the water and then they are to be towed to the Naval Service’s HQ at the nearby base on Haulbowline island.

The IPV's each of 55m in length were formally handed over to the Department of Defence at a ceremony in Auckland on March 14th.

Representing the Irish government at the handover ceremony was the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue.

The Irish Times has more on the patrol vessels which are to replace the 1984 built coastal patrol vessels (CPV), L.E. Ciara and L.E. Orla which were decommissioned last year along with the flagship,L.E. Eithne.

The CPV's originally served the UK's Royal Navy as part of the Hong Kong squadron and in 2018 the 'Peacock' class pair marked 30 years of operations for the Naval Service.  

Cork Harbour Festival returns this June with Cork’s largest celebration of maritime culture, heritage and harbour activities taking place across 10 days from Friday 2 to Sunday 11 June 2023.

Highlighting Cork's greatest natural amenities, Cork Harbour and the River Lee, the festival programme includes events around, in and on the harbour and river. The main event Ocean to City - An Rás Mór, Ireland’s most ambitious rowing and paddling race adds plenty of colour and spectacle on Saturday 3 June.

This year’s festival offers over 80 events in a dozen beautiful locations across Cork City and Cork Harbour, including Crosshaven, Fountainstown, Monkstown, Passage West, Cobh, Spike Island, Haulbowline, East Ferry, Rostellan and city locations such as Cork City Marina, Lee Fields, Blackrock, Bishopstown, Marina Park and Nano Nagle Place.

Crews pictured at the Ocean to City Youth Event in Cork in 2021 organised by Meitheal Mara

The festival highlights the incredible choice of attractions and activities there are in Cork Harbour, from maritime and land activities, captivating history, heritage sites and cultural experiences, all situated in a unique natural environment. Adventurers are encouraged to get on the water and up close to the harbour coastline, or take part in a shoreline field trip in Fountainstown. History lovers will be fascinated by the popular Lunchtime Lecture Series covering themes from the Irish of the Caribbean to the Irish Naval Diving Service, with the UCC History Department. Those with a creative flair can take part in a unique drawing workshop on Spike Island with artist Sinéad Barrett.

Throughout the festival there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, whether kayaking, SUPing, sailing, powerboating or swimming - and you can join a cycle tour along its shore. Water activities, talks, walks, heritage, music, storytelling, art, family games and even a comedy theatre dinner experience and more, for all ages and activity levels, are presented as part of Cork Harbour Festival this year.

Festival Manager, Joya Kuin said: “We in Meitheal Mara are absolutely thrilled with this year’s Cork Harbour Festival programme. It is a real honour to work with 50 Event Partners in Cork City and County in presenting over 80 events and activities on land and on the water. We can’t wait to welcome thousands of festival visitors to the region this June and encourage everyone to dive right in and enjoy all the maritime fun that is on offer’’.

Lord Mayor of Cork City, Councillor Deirdre Forde, said: “Cork City Council are delighted to be a major sponsor of the 2023 Cork Harbour Festival. This festival showcases the best of what the city has to offer, in particular our fabulous harbour. This festival combines heritage and tradition with promotion of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. Festivals like this are a key attraction for tourists to any city and I would recommend everyone to engage whether as a participant or a spectator.”

On Saturday 3 June, Ireland's premier rowing and paddling event Ocean to City - An Rás Mór welcomes hundreds of national and international participants as they race 28km through the harbour from Crosshaven to the finish line in Cork City. The colourful fleet of 200 boats will include currachs, skiffs, longboats, kayaks, and paddle boards. Many participants travel from places as far as the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom to compete. There will be spectator vantage points along the harbour, including at Crosshaven, Cobh, Monkstown and Blackrock, with entertainment and festivities both there and at the finish line in Cork City. Registration to take part in Ocean to City – An Rás Mór closes 19 May for rowers and 26 May for paddlers: oceantocity.com.

Welcoming the launch of the festival, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Danny Collins said, ‘Cork County Council is proud to be a key sponsor of the Cork Harbour Festival, a unique celebration of maritime culture and heritage. This year, Cork County Council’s sponsorship via the Economic Development Fund, has enabled the hosting of a delightful programme featuring a variety of events across the county. The programme caters for all interests and ages in locations such as Cobh, Crosshaven, Passage West and Monkstown, while also showcasing the superb offering of our harbour region. With the festival attracting many visitors, both domestic and international, Cork Harbour Festival generates significant gains for our local economy. If you’re interested in maritime history, or just looking to try a new and fun activity, I would heartily encourage you to view the fantastic programme for this festival and join us.’

Festival Highlights:

On the Water:
There are so many water activities happening during Cork Harbour Festival. Enjoy an exciting 2 hour Evening Rib Tour of Cork Harbour with Cork Harbour Boat Hire (2 & 9 June); Explore the Wildlife & Coast of Cork Harbour with Cork Sea Safari (4 & 5 June). Take an introductory lesson in stand-up paddle boarding at the Lee Fields with Atlantic Offshore Adventures (5 & 11 June); Get behind the wheel of a powerboat with SailCork (3, 6, 7 June). Or, kayak under the bridges of Cork and see the city like you never have before with Atlantic Sea Kayaking (2-11 June).

Family Events:
Join Ireland’s Funnest Family at Marina Park with Let’s Play Cork for free family entertainment. This is a playful twist on ‘fittest families’ presenting a mixture of made-up games for all the family to enjoy (11 June). Come to Haulbowline Amenity Park and enjoy super fun games at Play in the Park with Cork Sports Partnership (10 June). The ever popular Cork Ghost Tour is back this year for more hilarious frights and hysterical delights for all the family (7, 8, 9 June). Or enjoy a high-octane comedic dinner theatre experience unlike anything else in Ireland with Hysterical Histories Cork (6-10 June). As part of the pre-festival event, Make a Model Boat Project, kids are invited to make a model boat at home from recycled materials and bring it to The Lough on 19 May. All prize winning boats are exhibited in Cork City Library during the festival.

Environmental Themes:
Visit a floating classroom with marine biologists on board the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group’s research vessel Celtic Mist and learn about whales and dolphins in Ireland (3, 4, 5 June). Explore the rocky and sandy shoreline of Fountainstown and Minane River estuary on a field trip with Cork Environmental Forum and Coastwatch (9 June). Join subowti and Clean Coasts to clean-up the Lee on your kayak, canoe or paddle board (10 June).

Culture:
Cobh based a-cappella buoy band The Mologoggers will perform both traditional and new sea shanties in the beautiful Goldie Chapel in Nano Nagle Place (3 June). Artist Sinéad Barrett will facilitate a unique drawing workshop on Spike Island, in collaboration with Spike Island Development Company (8 June). Echoes of Isolation, an exhibition of work by Sinéad Barrett will be available to view on Spike Island throughout the festival run. The exhibition explores the emotional and psychological impact of isolation, both in the context of historical punishment and in the modern world.

Heritage:
Cllr. Kieran McCarthy presents two free walking tours which look at Cork’s rich and unique maritime heritage and history: an introduction to Cork City’s historical development (6 June) and the history of the city’s docks (11 June). The popular Lunchtime Lecture series, presented by the UCC History Department returns this year, covering fascinating topics such as Emerald Isles of the Caribbean? (6 June); The National Army’s Amphibious Attack on the Cork Coast, 1922 (7 June) and The Ninth Ship: The Irish Naval Service Diving Section, 1964-2014 (8 June). Cobh Heritage Museum, Spike Island, Titanic Experience Cobh, Passage West Maritime Museum and Elizabeth Fort will also be open for visitors.

Online:
In association with the UCC Civic & Community Engagement Department, there will be a free online roundtable discussion with local and international thought leaders exploring the theme of Arts, Culture & Creativity in Docklands Regeneration (7 June). This is the third in Cork CityLabs ‘Future of Port’ Seminar Series. Join Ó Bhéal, either online or in-person, for their June poetry event with poets John O'Donnell & Sarah Hymas (12 June).

See the full festival programme of events at corkharbourfestival.com

Cocaine with an estimated value of €3.85m has been seized by Revenue officers at Ringaskiddy Port in Cork Harbour.

The intelligence-led operation seized 55kgs of “suspected cocaine” with the assistance of Revenue’s Maritime Unit, drug detector dog Merlin and Revenues Mobile X-Ray Scanner.

The drugs were concealed in the refrigeration unit of a maritime container which originated in Ecuador, the Garda Press Office said.

The seizure was made as a result of a joint operation conducted by Revenue’s Customs Service and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, it said.

Investigations are “ongoing”.

“This operation was part of Revenue’s ongoing joint investigations targeting transnational organised crime and the importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs,” the Garda Press Office said.

“If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding drug smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295,” it said.