On the water this week

18th May 2009

It might be the week the Volvo Ocean Race comes to town but there are many other events going on around the country too. In fact, we're spoiled for choice at this time of the year, with so many happenings to choose from both on and just off the water. For instance, if you're not competing in one of the many sailing events (Optimist April/May League, ISORA Pwllheli to Wicklow Race, or Brooklands Cup), then you could easily have a swim at Portrush, compete in a triathlon in Galway or do the Docklands Fun Run. Too energetic? Maybe some fishing would do the trick. One way or another, this week is full of great things to do all around the country.

Sailing

17th May – May League, Cove SC

20th May – Wednesday Pts (all), Skerries SC

20th May – Mixed Dinghy League, Royal Cork YC

21st May – OneSails McWilliam May League, FG 18:50, Royal Cork YC

22nd May – Masts & Rigging White Sail Fun Race, FG 18:55. Royal Cork YC

23rd May – Royal Cork Yacht Club Trophy Race, FG 14:55. Royal Cork YC

23rd–25th May – RS Dinghy 200 and 400 Irish Nationals/Euro Cup, Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club

23rd May – Brooklands Cup, Royal Cork YC

23rd May – Mixed Dinghy League, Royal Cork YC

23rd May – Optimist Beginner Coaching, 11am to 1.30pm, Royal Cork YC

23rd May–6th June – The Volvo Ocean Race/Galway Stopover Festival takes place in Galway City from the 23rd of May to the 6th of June. A three-acre village with open air concerts, hospitality and cultural events – live music from Sharon Shannon and The Stunning, in-port races and food and wine fairs. Phew! Check it out yourself

23rd May – Optimist April/May League, 2–5pm, Royal Cork YC

23rd May – ISORA Pwllheli to Wicklow Race

24th May – Topper Traveller One, East Antrim Boat Club

24th May – Adult Beginners Taste of Sailing, Skerries SC, 12 noon

24th May – Marlogue Trophy Cobh Sailing Club, 12am to 12pm, Royal Cork YC

24th May – Commodore’s Day, Foynes YC, all classes

24th May – Houseworks White Sail Fun Race ‘To the Beach’, Royal Cork YC

24th May – 17 Footers Stuttard Cup & Presidents Salver (race 1); Etchells European Championships, Holyhead SC

24th May – Skerries Sailing Club Junior Regatta, first gun 11am

25th–29th May – Skerries Sailing Club Adult Sailing Courses, 7pm to 10pm each evening except the 28th

Swimming – Open Water

24th May – Athy Race, Barrow River, 1pm. Contact Brian Crinion at 087 925 7682 or email www.swimathy.com

Swimming – Long Distance

24th May – West Bay, Portrush, Co. Antrim. 1Km swim. Contact Race Secretary Geoffrey Wilson at 0044 282 766 9849

Motorboating
18th–19th May – Midwest Powerboat Club Race Weekend, Lough Derg, Co. Clare. National Powerboat Race

Angling

20th May – Summer League, Crosshaven, 1900–2200

20th–21st May – The Cuisle Open International Fishing Competition for people with disabilities takes place in Ballinapark, Donamon, Co. Roscommon, which has 32 disability access bays. For information contact the Cuisle Holiday Centre; tel: 090 66 62277, fax: 090 66 62646, or email: [email protected]

23rd May – Bass, Slob Bank, 1300–1700

24th May – Anglesea, Crosshaven, confined. 1100–1800

24th May – Crosshaven, Johnny’s Return, 1100–1800

24th May – Wexford & District SAC, Cullenstown, 1400–1800, OS

Rowing

23rd May – Belfast Springs 2009, River Lagan, Stranmills, Belfast

23rd May – East Coast Invitational Regatta, Ringsend, Dublin. Irish Coastal Rowing Federation

23rd May – Bantry Regatta 2009, Bantry

24th May – Stella Maris Regatta, Ringsend, Dublin. Irish Coastal Rowing Federation

Miscellaneous

19th May – Docklands Fun Run 2009. Open to participants of all ages and abilities, and all proceeds go to charity. Irish Autism Action is this year’s chosen charity. The race is 8km long and starts and finishes at Grand Canal Square. Admission prices are Euro 20/22 adults and 10 euro for students

21st–24th May – Dublin City Soul Festival – A celebration of peace, unity and love, apparently. Do your soul some good and check out some of the many reasons to be cheerful!

22nd May – Skerries Sailing Club are having a Seafood Buffet at 8pm at the Club. Cost: €20 per person. Contact Donal or email [email protected] to book your place

22nd-24th May – Baltimore Seafood & Wooden Boat Festival, Baltimore, Co. Cork. A celebration of the traditional timber sailing boats of Ireland, particularly West Cork, the weekend shows the best of Cork food and the traditional craft of boat building and sailing

23rd May – Cope Galway Ocean Race, Salthill, Galway. The inaugural Cope Galway Ocean Race will take place at 10am in the form of a Triathlon: a 750m swim followed by a 20km cycle and 5km run along the gorgeous Galway Bay coastline

25th May – You’re invited to celebrate summer with adventure! The Bluelough Adventure Centre at Castlewellan Forest Park is hosting fun-packed day of activity with archery, canoeing, climbing and orienteering. Sessions run from 10am to 4pm with prices starting from £9 per activity

25th May – Clearsky Adventure Centre at Castle Ward Estate, Strangford, Downpatrick, are running a Family Adventure Day with archery, Canoeing and orienteering. Pre-booking essential

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