After 50 years, there is a major change in sailmaking at Crosshaven, Cork Harbour’s dominant sailing centre.
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Outside the village, the loft associated with the legendary Des McWilliams and family is no longer a sailmaking centre.

Barry Hayes and his wife, Claire Morgan, who took over the business seven years ago, have moved sailmaking to a new loft at Carrigaline, a few kilometres away. In addition, they have opened the first sailing shop in the village of Crosshaven itself, an impressive premises looking out onto Cork Harbour, the marinas and the RCYC sailing grounds.

The new McWilliam Sailing Shop in Crosshaven was opened on Friday, November 17, 2023. The impressive premises looks out onto Cork Harbour

For this week’s Podcast, I discussed these changes at Sailmakers at The Square, Crosshaven, with Barry Hayes, who did not start his working life as a sailmaker - he was making chocolate when Des McWilliam convinced him to switch careers.

We discuss the modern changes in designing and manufacturing sails. He describes making canvas sails in Hong Kong, the long-lasting effect that had on his hands and how today, sails made from many different fabrics are also made to last longer.

Listen to the podcast and check out the photo gallery of the Sailmakers at The Square launch in Crosshaven below. 

Photo Gallery: Sailmakers at The Square Launch in Crosshaven

The cruise ship season for the Port of Cork Company (PoCC) has been marked with a successful year as it welcomed one of the largest such ships in the world, the MSC Virtuosa which arrived to Cork Harbour today. 

The MSC Virtuosa spans 331 metres in length and weighs 181,541 tonnes and has the capacity to carry over 6,300 passengers. The visit of the cruise ship which Afloat adds is operated by MSC Cruises, has brought the total number of cruise ships that have docked in the Port of Cork this year to 94, welcoming over 180,000 passengers along the way.

The cruise ship industry is estimated to contribute €70 million to the national economy and on average €14 million per year to local economies such as Cork.

Speaking about this year’s cruise season, Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork Company stated: “We are delighted to have hosted so many cruise liners in the Port of Cork this season. The cruise industry continues to contribute a major part in the success of the Irish tourism and hospitality sectors. This year, we have had a 16% increase in the number of cruise liners docking in Cork, with nine ships making their maiden call. As a result, we have welcomed an additional 60,000 passengers compared to 2022. This considerable increase in visitors demonstrates the strength of Cork as a highly desirable tourist destination.”

Toddy Stafford, President of Cobh and Harbour Chamber added: “The cruise season is always a key highlight of our year for the town of Cobh and the wider local harbour community. Throughout the season, the series of impressive vessels attracts a large number of visitors to Cobh and brings a vibrant atmosphere to the town. This year’s increase in footfall has been beneficial to businesses and traders, providing a solid boost to our local economy.”

A highlight of the 2023 cruise season was the visit of the Disney Dream. The visit by Disney Cruise Line to Cork marked the largest vessel to dock at Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth in Cobh. At 339.8 metres in length, the Disney Dream has a maximum passenger capacity of 4,000.

The MSC Virtuosa berthed at the quayside of the Cobh Cruise Terminal at approximately 10:30am and is scheduled to depart at 18:00hrs this evening. 

A bulk carrier cargo ship which sailed from the Caribbean was boarded by members of the Army Ranger Wing and gardaí, as the Panamanian flagged vessel was suspected of containing a large quantity of illegal drugs, berthed at the Port of Cork yesterday evening.

The 2.2 tons of cocaine recovered from the ship is being described as the biggest haul in the history of the state.

The 50,913 deadweight tonnes (dwt), MV Matthew had been boarded in the early hours of yesterday off the Cork and Waterford coast. The boarding operation, which took place in the Celtic Sea, was co-ordinated by a joint taskforce comprising members of the Naval Service, Revenue Customs Service and An Garda Síochána.

The bulk carrier, at almost 190m in length, was heading into international waters and did not stop when ordered by Naval Service officers on board the offshore patrol vessel (OPV) LÉ William Butler Yeats (P63), as the naval vessel then fired warning shots.

The 28,647 gross registered tonnage (grt) MV Matthew was then boarded by armed Army Ranger personnel. They are understood to have abseiled onto the deck of the bulk carrier from an overhead Air Corps helicopter in what has been described as challenging weather conditions.

LÉ William Butler Yeats (P63) fired warning shots

Once the 2001 built cargo ship was secured, members of the Naval Service, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), and Revenue’s Customs Service were transferred to the ship. The cargo ship was then escorted to Marino Point located upriver from the port's main terminal at Ringaskiddy, where bulk-carriers routinely berth. 

A statement from the garda press office said a significant quantity of suspected controlled drugs had been located onboard the MV Matthew.

More from Echolive here

As part of this summer's Royal Cork Yacht Club RCYC 'At Home' regatta, the ILCA/Laser fleet took on the Blackrock to Crosshaven passage race in Cork Harbour.

The ILCAs launched at Cork Boat Club and headed downriver with a falling tide and following wind to cover the more than ten-mile course in under ninety minutes.

ILCA/Laser sailors prepare for the Blackrock to Crosshaven passage race in Cork Harbour at Cork Harbour Boat Club

The ILCA/Laser Blackrock to Crosshaven passage race fleet head downriver with a falling tide and following wind

The fleet had 18-20 knots directly behind them all the way across Lough Mahon, which caused several boats to flip, but the next leg through Passage was significantly more friendly.

The ILCA/Laser Blackrock to Crosshaven passage race fleet had 18-20 knots of wind for the race

The ILCA 4s were allowed to go inside Spike Island, while the ILCA 6s and 7s had to go the long way round as part of the handicap.

Passing the Naval base at Haulbowline at Cobh

The leading ILCA 4, Craig O'Neill, was more than halfway across Curlane Bank when the leading ILCA 6s of Robert Jeffreys and Joe O'Sullivan got around Spike.

The final beat to the club against the tide and the usual trickiness at the Coveney Pier finally sorted out a winner, with Joe O'Sullivan making it to the RCYC marina in one hour, and thirty-six minutes which, given the favourable tide and wind conditions, may be setting a very difficult time to beat in future years.

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.