#wmr – 17 races were successfully sailed to complete the quarter final stage of the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship in Cork Harbour today. Strong winds gusting almost 30 knots and heavy rain delayed proceedings for a number of hours. Shortly after noon the breeze dropped to a manageable 18 knots the eight teams made their way out to the calm waters below Camden Fort Meagher to begin Day 3 of the regatta.

Paired randomly, the first four teams to win three races apiece would be the ones to advance. An intense five hour battle ensued, fraught with drama, as the sailors went head-to-head for the coveted semi-final places.

First to qualify was overnight leader and World #1 Camilla Ulrikkeholm from Denmark. She and her three-woman crew expertly claimed three consecutive wins against Klaartje Zuiderbaan knocking the Dutch team out. World #2 Anna Kjellberg then reigned supreme in her fight against the French Anne-Claire Le Berre.

Having already lost two teams, Ireland's remaining hope hung on the Kiwi team skippered by Claudia Pierce but crewed by three Irish girls. Despite Mayo's Ellen Cahill losing her footing and going for a swim, the ladies put up a fierce battle against their American rivals. Tied on two wins each, it all hinged on their final match race but it was Stephanie Roble that came out on top moving Team USA forward to the next round.

An equipment issue caused a frustrating delay in the last quarter final was between Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen and Caroline Sylvan. With three races completed the two Scandinavians teams had no option but to wait patiently on the water because of a problem with one of the spinnakers. Once two other boats became available the crews transferred in and the final race of the day got underway. The final score of 3-1 meant Sylvan will join her fellow Swede in the penultimate day of the championship tomorrow.

#wmr – Another day of picture perfect conditions greeted the sailors in Crosshaven for Day 2 of the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship. Although the wind was a little light to begin with in the morning, the sun glistened off the pristine waters of Cork Harbour and the south-easterly picked up to a steady 10-12 knots in the afternoon leading to some thrilling racing for the sailors.

For eight straight hours the top international teams went head-to-head while spectators watched from the natural perch provided by Camden Fort Meagher. A staggering 42 races were sailed for what was the second day of the Round-Robin stage in the regatta. Only the top eight teams were going to progress forward to tomorrow's quarter finals so the slightest error aboard the fleet of J80 keelboats could have had dramatic consequences.

Overnight leader and World #1 Camilla Ulrikkeholm had a further five wins today increasing her total number of victories so far to 10. However, in an exciting turn of events fellow Dane Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen and France's Anne-Claire Le Berre also finished the Round-Robin having only conceded two loses a piece. This meant that the umpires had to analyse each race result and competitor rankings in order to settle the three-way-tie-break. Ultimately it was Ulrikkeholm who retained her spot at the top of the leader board followed by Meldgaard Pedersen in second and Le Berre in third.

Two teams were sailing under the Irish flag but neither Laura Dillon nor Mary O'Loughlin won enough races to make tomorrow's cut. Although, sailing with World #15 skipper Claudia Pierce from New Zealand and finishing 4th are three talented Irish sailors; Diana Kissane from Dublin, Isabella Morehead from Cork and Ellen Cahill from Mayo. National pride will now weight on their young shoulders.

The format for the quarter finals will see teams face off against each other in a randomly selected knock out series. The first team in each pairing to reach three wins will go through to the semi-finals. Racing is scheduled for tomorrow (06 June) but due to the forecast of heavy rain and strong winds racing may be postponed until Saturday. Event organisers had also planned a 'Sail in the City' festival in Cork for tomorrow but due to the anticipated adverse weather the decision was made on Wednesday to cancel the event.

The first eight skippers advance to the quarter-finals:

1. Camilla Ulrikkeholm, DEN, 10 – 2
2. Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen, DEN, 10 – 2
3. Anne-Claire Le Berre, FRA, 10 – 2
4. Claudia Pierce, NZL, 9 – 3
5. Stephanie Roble, USA, 9 – 3
6. Anna Kjellberg, SWE, 7 – 5
7. Caroline Sylvan, SWE, 6 – 6
8. Klaartje Zuiderbaan, NED, 5 – 7
9. Annabel Vose, GBR, 4 – 8
10. Mary O'Loughlin, IRL, 3 – 9
11. Laura Dillon, IRL, 2 – 10
12. Lucie Scheiwiller, FRA, 2 – 10
13. Anne-Christianne Kentgens, NED, 1 – 11

#corkharbour – Today the waters of Cork harbour saw the commencement of the first leg of the series to decide the 2014 ISAF Women's Match Racing Worlds Championship writes Claire Bateman

The initial stages of the competition started today with a Round Robin series where each skipper is scheduled to sail against each other skipper once and from there the top eight skippers will move on to the quarter finals from whence they will move on to semi finals, petit finals and the final. Racing will take place on this basis until Sunday, June 8th. By this stage one hundred and thirty one on one races will have been sailed.

A perfect June sailing morning with some 14 to 18 knots of North Westerly breeze going more towards the west as the day progressed, greeted the competitors on their arrival at the Royal Cork Yacht Club . With International Race Officer Peter Crowley in charge racing got under way on time. As forecast, some squally showers were experienced and provided some thrills and spills for both competitors and spectators.

Among the 13 international teams representing eight nations are two Irish entries skippered by Laura Dillon from Howth Yacht Club and Mary O'Loughlin from Royal St George Yacht Club in Dublin. The first race was between Dillon's Team Ireland 1 and Team Sweden 2 skippered by Caroline Sylvia. The first day nerves settled quickly and Dillon's team matched Team Sweden 2 on their every move. Team Ireland 1 crew Maria Coleman (ex-Irish Olympian) commented "The day was challenging for everyone, ensuring you gained the maximum of your upwind boat speed however this let us down a little today, but we know we have the pre- starts nailed". Unfortunately a mighty broach by Dillon cost the Irish team the race and it took some time to rectify.

Team New Zealand skippered by Claudia Pierce and crewed by her newly recruited Irish team mates had a sparkling day. "We had a great pre start against Anne Claire Le Berre's Team France pushing her out and making her do penalty turns at the start. This let us get away and sail clean for the race".

However, it was the two Danish teams that dominated the day. World #1 Camilla Ulrikkeholm and World #4 Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen ensured straight wins for all of their respective races. They were followed closely by Stephanie Roble of the USA with only one loss of the day

Forecast for tomorrow (Thurs) is for 10 to 14 knots from the south east.

Event organisers had planned a 'Sail in the City' festival for this Friday (06 June) but due to the forecast of heavy rain and strong winds the decision has been made to cancel the event.

All results provisional

#portofcork – This June Bank Holiday weekend the Port of Cork will welcome four cruise liners bringing a staggering 9,000 passengers and crew to the Cork region. As well as cruise liners, Cork Harbour will be a hive of activity with participants of Ocean to City taking part in the annual rowing race and the arrival of the ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship.

The smallest of the four liners, MV Amadea and MV Minerva will arrive on Sunday 1st June, while on Monday 2nd June MV Queen Victoria will be in Cobh and MV Ruby Princess will berth in Ringaskiddy.

As part of the MV Queen Victoria's visit to Cobh, the Port of Cork and Cunard will jointly hold a Lusitania Memorial Service in the centre of the town on Monday morning. This is an event which Cunard do for all their visits to Cobh and this year, the Port of Cork will be using the opportunity to discuss the 100th anniversary of the Lusitania in 2015 with Cunard. On the 7th May 2015, Cunard will bring the MV Queen Victoria back to Cobh, on their 'Lusitania Remembered' themed cruise.

Commenting on the busy weekend ahead, Port of Cork Commercial Manager, Captain Michael McCarthy said: 'This is a busy weekend for the port, not just with commercial and cruise traffic but also with leisure activities around the harbour. Ocean to City takes place this weekend and that takes careful coordination between our port operations and the participants of the rowing race, to ensure both work together on the water, in a safe and sensible manner. If the weather remains dry and warm for the weekend we can expect to see lots of leisure boats enjoying the harbour also.'

Following the weekend, the ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championships will arrive in Cork Harbour and will compete throughout the week. This match racing event, sponsored by the Port of Cork and Cork County Council will provide some exciting sailing for spectators to view. During the week Camden Fort Meagher in Crosshaven will be the best vantage point to watch the racing, while on Friday 6th June the women will race in the heart of Cork City at the City Quays. As well as the racing there will be live entertainment, food and drink, plus the Irish Navy's new vessel LE Samuel Beckett will be in the City and open to the public.

#corkharbour – A prize fund of €10,000 has been allocated to the top women sailors competing at next week's ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championships at Royal Cork Yacht Club in Cork Harbour writes Claire Bateman.

Thirteen international teams are due in the home of sailing, the Royal Cork Yacht Club, in Crosshaven from June 3rd to 8th to compete at this year's World Championship. This includes Danish Sailor Camilla Ulrikkeholm World No 1 in the Women's World Matching Racing Rankings. The New Zealand entry having to leave her own team at home has managed to pick up some of Irelands top match racing sailors including Bella Morehead and Diana Kissane who were runners up in the Irish Match Racing trials in April 2014. The US entry Stephanie Roble with her team Epic Racing are also in deep preparation for their trip to Ireland and have been practising with the US Youth Squad and some of the top US coaches including Dave Perry and Taylor Canfield.

Chairman of the event Ronan Enright said " Having a prize fund shows the commitment this event has to attract some of the world's best sailors, it also shows how fortunate we are to have sponsors like Cork County Council and Port Of Cork without whom we could not run such events."

Great racing is expected with strong competition for the prize fund on offer. Spectators are guaranteed nail biting sailing – all from the comfort of Camden Fort Meagher in Crosshaven. Not only will they enjoy breath taking views of Cork Harbour, they will have unrivalled birds eye viewing of the best match racing to be seen in Cork Harbour this year.

For this event the prize money will be allocated to the first 7 teams.

Prize Money Allocation:
1st €3000
2nd €2000
3rd €1500
4th €1250
5th €1000
6th €750
7th €500

#corkharbour – Celebrating ten years, the Ocean to City Maritime Festival returns for the ultimate oceanic urban experience and a programme of exciting events for the June Bank Holiday Weekend.

Taking place in Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, Ocean to City is a true flagship event celebrating Ireland's unique maritime culture and heritage. Ocean to City offers something for everyone; from cheering on the spectacular fleet of boats at the many vantage points along the race, to a variety of boat trips, harbour tours, surf and sail tasters, kayak excursions, films, markets, music, craic and free family entertainment.

This year's festival programme is full of opportunities for the people of Cork to get out on the water and get a taste of maritime culture.

The festival offers a dramatic new way to explore the city with Corkumnavigation, Meitheal Mara's tidal guidebook exploring the 29 bridges and 8 weirs around the central island of Cork. Water thirsty folk can also enjoy the River Lee Kayak Expedition - paddling along the city quays and out to Blackrock Castle to see the city from a different view. All throughout the festival there are also lots of sailing, sea kayaking, surfing and powerboating tasters on offer for those seeking adventure.

For the landlubbers among you, there are also many fun and accessible events in the lead up to the big race; from Currach Exhibiton Uisce agus Adhmad and the City to Ocean - Cruise of Cork Harbour, to a Jaws Movie Night aboard the Bryan J. Kids especially will enjoy Cllr. Kieran McCarthy's Make a Model Boat project which is back on the 1st of June at Cork's Lough. Last year over 60 boats were submitted and this year promises all sorts of weird and wonderful creations.

The highlight of the festival, the 28km Ocean to City race An Rás Mór, takes place on Saturday 31st May. Now in its tenth year, it has grown from its origins as a race for traditional fixed-seat boats into an all-inclusive rowing event; embracing everything from traditional wooden working boats, currachs, skiffs, gigs and longboats to contemporary ocean racing shells, kayaks and canoes. The race attracts about 500 participants annually and this year includes crews from England, Scotland, The Netherlands, Spain and Canada.

For the big race day, Cork City and Harbour are awash with activities of all sorts. Spectators can follow the spectacular fleet of boats by bicycle, by boat or from the finish line at Lapp's Quay. Join a group of cyclists heading to Passage West for a first glimpse of boats; or stay close to the action and hop aboard the classic schooner Spirit of Oysterhaven to accompany the race through Cork Harbour.

Plan your race day with a stop along the route and some free family entertainment at one of our prime vantage points. Visit the festivities at Cobh's promenade, at the Passage West Picnic or watch the Youth Race set off with celebrations at Blackrock Castle. The finish line at Lapp's Quay will be a big party with live broadcasts and updates from the "Stream Team" along the route, a street market, Naval Tours of the L.E Aisling, kayak demos, street spectacle, music and much more.

Ocean to City is organised by Meitheal Mara, a community boatyard and nationally-accredited training centre in the heart of Cork city. Meitheal Mara is dedicated to promoting and fostering maritime culture and traditional skills through currach and wooden boat building.

For more information on the festival please visit www.oceantocity.com or see the festival brochure for more details.

#matchrace – A most unusual event will take place off Albert Quay, Cork, on June 6th from 2pm to 6pm when some of the world's top ranked women match racing sailors will match race in J80 sailboats with full running commentary explaining the intricacies of the sport for the spectators writes Claire Bateman.

The ISAF Womens Match Racing World Championship to be sailed in Crosshaven from June 3rd to 8th is the opening event for the 2014 Womens Match Series. It is a professional sailing circuit hosted by the Womens International Match Racing Association for the world's leading women match racing sailors. As the name implies, the crews meet two by two in exciting duels that can easily be followed and, most importantly, can be understood by spectators. For the rest of the days involved the daily racing can be viewed from Camden Fort Meagher in Crosshaven.

Another first for the city will be the appearance of the Irish Navy's new flagship, LE Samuel Beckett which will be open to the public for the occasion giving all a chance to see this magnificent new vessel.

The event is sponsored by Cork County Council and the Port of Cork and provides an excellent opportunity to promote Cork and Crosshaven on the world map and to showcase the facilities of Cork Harbour and surrounding areas. 

Entertainment will be provided and there will be a full bar and high quality artisan food along the quay for everyone to enjoy. Meitheal Mara with their boats will add to this spectacular maritime occasion.

#rnli – Crosshaven RNLI lifeboat was launched from Cork Harbour at 3.35pm this afternoon to a report of a 21' open crabber boat aground on the rocks East of Trabolgan with 1 person on board.

The skipper of the vessel had earlier caught his propellor in fishing gear and with the tide filling was driven onto the rocky shoreline.

Another fishing vessel stood by until the lifeboat arrived on scene. Crosshaven RNLI Volunteer Crew member Brian Ring entered the water with a tow rope and swam to the casualty and made fast the towline.

The lifeboat eventually dragged the boat off the rocks where the vessel was further checked for leaks and damage before handing over the tow to the stand by vessel, which was also going to Aghada village. Crosshaven Lifeboat then escorted both vessels into the harbour before returning to station at 5.40pm. Other crew on this service were Aidan O'Connor and Alan Barton.

#CorkHarbour - Marine Minister Simon Coveney yesterday (12 May) attended the contract signing for the remediation of bridge access Haulbowline Island, a €1.85 million deal that was awarded by Cork County Council to L&M Keating Ltd.

Commenting at the signing, the minister said the "major contract" is "a key infrastructural element of the remediation project" for the toxic waste dump at the former Irish Steel/Ispat site on the Cork Harbour island.

The work, which will extensively upgrade the current bridge infrastructure, will address significant access demands involved in carrying out the remediation of Haulbowline, with a view to the future development of the island and surrounding areas in the longer term.

Minister Coveney said he welcomed the decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for the remediation of the East Tip and awaits a decision from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the application for a waste licence.

"The project is now entering an exciting phase where the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes will now lead to construction activity on the island.”

#corkharbour –  A French sailor took advantage of gusty weather in Cork Harbour to pass race leader Jeff Condell to win yesterday afternoon's revival of the famous 15–mile Round Cobh Island windsurf race. The race, organised by Eddie English of Sailcork, was won in an impressive time of two hours and 25 minutes but not good enough to beat Oisin Van Gelderen's long standing record set in 1998 of one hour 29 mins 24 secs.

Originally scheduled for Saturday, 50–knot gust put paid to any plans so the windsurfing fixture was rescheduled for yesterday afternoon in much more manageable 15 to 20 westerly winds.

The course for the race, that was first staged in 1983 but not run for many years, featured a start at Cuskinny Bay (one mile east of Cobh) leaving Great Island to starboard (round the island westabout or clockwise). The finish was also in Cuskinny Bay at the impressive flagship, Soubrette under the command of Gene Ryan.

Race veteran Condell led the 25–boat fleet most of the way round but on the final beat to the finish line a passing squall gave Frenchman Marius Fedotovas the edge on Shannon's Condell for the overall win.

Also competing were past Irish windsurfing champions Robin Bateman, Vincent Geary and Hannes Louet, to name a few (see results below). The sailors raced on a variety of early version 'sailboards' such as 'division 2' boards with round bottoms and daggerboards, popular in the 1980s but not seen since.

The race revival is part of the SailCork 40 celebrations and there was plenty of enthusiasm to dust down the old boards and take part in this great event. 

The course required the negotiation of the Railway Bridge at the Fota Channel and Belvelly Bridge (road bridge). The course also passes beneath some telegraph and electricity wires - there is plenty of safe clearance for windsurfers but NOT safe clearance for larger sailing dinghies.

Results:
Marius Fedotovas
Jeff Condell
Hannes Louet
Fintan Day
Steve Flanagan
Robin Bateman
Rory Allen
Cormac O' Brien
Neil Sandes
Colman Phelan
Cullen Allen
Greg Day
Ian Bradley
Andrew Christofides
Kevin Cunningham

Race Officer: Eugene Ryan + Dermot Devlin

Scroll down for more photos by Bob and Chris Bateman