#cruiseliners – The Seven Seas Voyager cruise liner departed Cork harbour last night after treating 708 well-heeled passengers to the sights of Cobh and the surrounding harbour area. This European cruise liner has an overall lengh of 670–ft and a beam of 94.5 ft. She has a top speed of 20 knots and 447 crew.

#CRUISING – Long term captain and Cork harbour yachtsman Philip Scully (55) of Crosshaven has died while on passage from Antigua in the West Indies to the UK it was reported earlier today.

The Owner of Starry Night, the well travelled Oyster 82, has advised of the sudden death on board of the long term captain Philip Scully.

According to reports, the yacht was on its way to the UK from Antigua when Philip started feeling unwell. He and the crew had full time support from Dr Spike Briggs of Medical Support Offshore Limited (MSOS) and advanced medical supplies and equipment on board. Despite this and great efforts from the crew he died in the early hours of 22nd May.

As the sad news broke at Royal Cork Yacht Club senior member Donal McClement (who is cruising in Spain) led tributes to the professional sailor. "He was a consummate professional, always careful and fastidious. Any owner who had him as a skipper had the most reliable and trustworthy guy you could possibly have".

Former Admiral Hugh Mockler spoke about Philip's love of Cork Harbour and Crosshaven in particular. "Philip always took the opportunity to sail back into Crosshaven whenever he got the chance".

The rest of the crew onboard Starry Night are well and the weather conditions are good.

The yacht is now on its way to Bermuda and relevant authorities have been informed.

Philip had connections with Irish sailing as far back as the One Ton Cup in the 1980s. He was also previously skipper of the late Bernie Cahill's Oyster yachts that were based in Schull, West Cork.

Philip Scully. Photo: Bob Bateman

#PORTOFCORK – Port of Cork is host to a United Nations capacity building programme on international trade TrainForTrade Port Training Programme focussing on 'Modern Port Management' which kicked off yesterday (Tuesday, 22nd May 2012) and which will run in the city for two weeks, until 1st June.

The programme, which sees 28 delegates attending from countries across the globe including Ghana, Indonesia, Maldives, Namibia, South Africa, Pakistan and Tanzania, has been organised by UNCTAD in cooperation with Port of Cork (PoC), Dublin Port Company (DPC), Belfast Harbour Commissioners (BHC), and with the support of Irish Aid.

The TrainForTrade programme was set-up to facilitate sustainable economic development in developing and transition countries through training and capacity development and is run by UNCTAD, whose mandate is to work for development-led globalisation, where the development paths are sustainable and inclusive.

At the Port Training Programme, delegates will participate in workshops and will learn best practice examples from a wide selection of Port of Cork's operational areas including strategic planning, financial management, economic and commercial management and administrative and legal management. Workshops will also be given by representatives from Dublin Port Company, Irish Aid, UCC and Dublin City University throughout the two week programme.

Speaking about the conference, Port of Cork Harbour Master, Captain Pat Farnan commented "We are delighted to be hosting this exceptional conference with UNCTAD both to showcase our world class port facilities here in Cork and also to extend our knowledge of port operations to these delegates. Together with Dublin Port Company, Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Irish Aid, we recognise the importance of helping these countries to develop sustainable commercial port operations for themselves and I am certain this training programme will play a substantial part in achieving that goal.

"All of the delegates attending this conference are involved in port management in their respective countries and it is our goal that they will take their learning's back to their colleagues at home to train others to ensure that this valuable knowledge is passed on", he continued.

#CORK HARBOUR – The world's second largest natural harbour in the world (after Sydney, Australia) sprang to life yesterday with a variety of sailing and boating activity from Crosshaven, Monkstown and Cobh writes Claire Bateman.

Sunshine, breeze and a harbour alive with boats 'twas like old times. A forecasted promise of a warm day after our long spell of winter like weather brought many boats out on the water yesterday.

Whether it was currachs getting in some practice for the ocean to City Race or 1720s getting in time on the water with some of the more experienced 1720 top notchers sailing on other boats to spread the expertise in handling these lively ladies.

Indeed it seemed like 1720 yesterday that we were watching the very first trials of the 1720 in Cork Harbour in 1994 and the excitement engendered and that now appears to be making a strong return. Details of the 1720 debut were written up in Afloat's Mid April edition of 1994.

Also on the water were Optimists receiving training including sailing downwind heeling to leeward like old pros despite the fact that maybe even six months ago they hadn't even sat in a boat on their own.

Frank Doyle's End Game leading the fleet at the start of CSC Titanic Race. Picture Robert Bateman

To top it all off Cove Sailing Club had organised The Titanic Race and the excellent fleet was joined by members from the Royal Cork Cruiser fleet and they made a splendid sight starting off Cuskinny at the Number 13 buoy under, Race Officer Adrian Tyler, on a flood tide and a sea breeze of about 10 knots.

Not to be forgotten were the boats motoring and sailing for the sheer pleasure of being on the water with a bit of heat in the sun and the many angling boats whose occupants were also enjoying the bonus of the fine weather.

Last but not least was the beautiful seal that popped up in front of the boat enjoying a fine meal of fresh fish but proved to be rather uncooperative when the camera was produced and didn't appear to like the sound of the diesel approaching.

Hopefully the forecast will prove correct for the fine warm weather we are to enjoy for the near future and will tempt sailors to get in their entries for forthcoming events and in particular Cork Week 2012 which is rapidly approaching and has such a variety of racing combined with a whole new look for shoreside family entertainment.

More Cork Harbour photos from yesterday below

#SUPERYACHT – The 81-metre long super motor yacht 'AIR' cut a dramatic pose as an early season caller to Cork Harbour yesterday.

This black hulled Dutch-built Feadship was launched in March last year and it is available for charter at the reported rate of €750,000 per week.

The largest yacht ever to be built at the Koninklijke De Vries yard, AIR has a sleek and elegant exterior with modern lines, a unique matte black steel hull, and an aluminium superstructure. She measures 265.7 feet in length and has a beam of nearly 39 feet.

Extremely spacious, the vessel can accommodate 12 guests in 7 roomy staterooms including an impressive split level owner's suite, two guest cabins on the upper deck, one cabin on the main deck, and three on the lower deck. The owners' observation lounge offers a breathtaking view over the eight-meter long pool on the main deck's forward area.

More on the onboard luxury, inlcuding the helicopter pad and 102-inch pop-up movie screen, here

Below video from Kinsale harbour mouth

#CORK HARBOUR – Fifth class boys in a Cork Harbour school have bagged a Port of Cork Company award for a project based on a transport theme in Cork Harbour.

Scoil Naisúnta Cros tSeain (Crosshaven Boys National School) the Best Overall Project in the 2012 Port of Cork Schools Initiative. The huge effort made by the 5th class paid off when they were presented with best overall project by the Chairman of the Port of Cork, Mr. Dermot O' Mahoney, in the boardroom at Customs House.

Twenty schools from in and around Cork City and Harbour area took part in the Port of Cork Schools Initiative which was themed 'Ships, Steam Trains and Seaplanes – the Cork Harbour Connection'.

This year's judges; Mr. John Neville Port of Cork, Mr. Marc Anderson Titanic 100 and Mr. Brian Lougheed Evening Echo all praised the huge effort and creativity made by the participating primary schools. Projects submitted were both informative and visually very creative and colourful.

Mr. John Neville, Port of Cork, said: "The projects submitted were inspiring. This is an excellent way for children to learn about the history of the harbour, the different methods of transport both on and off the water and most importantly, how the harbour can be enjoyed today.'

Commenting on the school projects, the Chairman of the Port of Cork, Mr. Dermot O'Mahoney said; 'Congratulations to Scoil Naisúnta Cros tSeain (Crosshaven Boys National School) for their excellent submission. It is clear every 5th class pupil went to a lot of effort researching, creating and building their project. All the projects were of a very high standard and we acknowledge and appreciate the time and commitment by the teachers. We are delighted with the efforts put in by the participating schools and well done to all involved.'

All participating classes will be invited for an informative visit to Custom House followed by a boat trip around Cork Harbour, a visit to The Titanic Experience and Cobh Heritage Centre and rounded up with a train journey from Cobh to Cork City.

The overall best project winners, Scoil Naisúnta Cros tSeain (Crosshaven Boys National School) will get to go on board one of the many luxurious cruise liners which call to Cork for a tour of the ship and to meet the captain.

This is the seventh year of the Port of Cork Company's successful Primary Schools initiative.

Prizes were also awarded to the following classes;

Best Photograph – 5th Class, Templebreedy, Crosshaven

Best Artwork Piece – 5th Class, Glasheen Boys National School, Glasheen

#ROYAL CORK – In spite of the cold the sun was shining brightly and there was a buzz around Royal Cork Yacht club today writes Claire Bateman. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS by Bob Bateman.

The young stay at home Oppies were out, the Multihulls were competing in their Southern Championships and last but not least, the cruisers were emerging from their winter hibernation for the second day of the O'Leary Insurance Group April White Sail League.

While short in numbers today, not surprisingly with the 12/15kt N/NE skinning breeze, there was no lack of enthusiasm in the League as was evidenced by the pre start manoeuvering on the line at the Grassy start under Race Officer Mark Ring. The course was 66 and Conor O'Donovan in X-tension made the best of the start coming off the line. He was followed by Kieran and Liz O'Brien's Magnet with Ria Lyden of Ellida hitching a ride today, Pat Vaughan in Aramis was next followed by last weeks winner Simon Brewitt in Callisto.

Meanwhile the Optimists who were too young to travel to the Irish Youth Nationals in Dublin were sailing on the Curlane Bank and not too far away was the colourful sight of the sails from the Southern Championships of the Irish Multihull Association. This event attracted entries from Ballyholme, Blessington, four members from the Galway DART 16 fleet and the home club RCYC all scorching up and down the windward/leeward courses.

To literally add to the buzz three helicopters brought great interest to the area where they were flying throughout the afternoon. One was from the Air Corps and there were two Sikorskys from Search and Rescue. It was a great thrill for the competitors to note that one of these was none other than the magnificent new Sikorsky recently added to the service.

Racing continues tomorrow in the Multihull Southern Championships and next Saturday for the O'Leary Insurance Group White Sails April League.

#COBH TITANIC 100  - Following President Michael D. Higgins visit to Cobh to commemorate the centenary call of RMS Titanic to Queenstown, the town yesterday hosted a Naval Service review that included the Royal Navy's HMS Mersey.

The President as supreme commander of the Defence Forces boarded the Naval Service 'flagship' L.E. Eithne which passed the guest-ship, a River class patrol vessel which headed a line of vessels which lay at anchor of Cobh's waterfront, they were the L.E. Aoife, L.E. Aisling and L.E. Niamh

The historic event which marked the pinnacle of the Titanic 100 Cobh centenary week will continue as part of a year-round programme of events. For information visit www.titanic100.ie. On the homepage the L.E. Niamh features again, where on this occasion marine photographer Jehan Ashmore captured the vessel underway as she powered her way at high-speed through a misty Dalkey Sound.

Among the many places throughout Cobh where thousands of tourists have flocked since the Balmoral docked on Monday to retrace the liner's maiden voyage, has been the White Star Line pier.

From this pier were the last passengers to depart Queenstown on board the tenders PS Ireland and PS America to the ill-fated Titanic that struck an ice-berg. On her Irish call 123 passengers were transferred to the Titanic which lay outside Cork Harbour, while 7 passengers disembarked from the liner and headed ashore.

What remains of the pier which is not accessible to the public and is in danger of collapsing, there has been calls to raise funds to save the structure, as previously reported.

Also in attendance during yesterday's historic proceedings, was the excursion passenger tender Spirit if the Isles which is operating on her second season since starting Cork Harbour cruises last year. They run between Cork city quays and downriver along the Lee to Cobh.

In the 1980's the tender then named Ingot ran excursions from Dun Laoghaire Harbour into Dublin Bay and likewise of L.E. Niamh, she too transited Dalkey Sound as part of her sightseeing tours.

An 88-berth Cork Harbour Marina located in Monkstown was officially opened on Saturday (7th of April) by Minister for the Marine, Simon Coveney, TD.

Phase one of the planned 300-berth marina facility in Monkstown Co. Cork, aptly named 'Cork Harbour Marina', is Ireland's newest coastal marina and is offering all year round berthing facilities for pleasure craft.

The new addition to the seaside village is in a sheltered location on the western bank of the River Lee in an area very popular for boating activities.

The bustling ceremony was also attended by Lord Mayor of Cork County, Michael McGrath of Fianna Fail, members of Monkstown Bay Sailing Club puls a number marine industry figures including John Wallace of Union Chandlery and Afloat.ie correspondent Tom MacSweeney.

As part of the proceedings the Irish Marine Federation's Steve Conlon saluted the tenacity of developer James O'Brien on completing the project. Steve Conlon's address gave a potted history to the new facility and we reproduce it here as an over view of the potential value of marinas to coastal communities:

I first met James some 8 years ago and I know how many hurdles he has crossed to get to this day, between planning, foreshore, State Valuation Office and the banks. These are just some of the impediments that are put in the way of would be developers who are putting in place valuable pieces of our tourism infrastructure. Marinas are sustainable developments, which will bring economic benefits to this area not only from resident boats but also from visitors.

From our own research we have established that the average spend per boat on a marina is in the region of €6,400 per annum. This is sum is made up of marina fees, insurance, training, sails, engine maintenance and chandlery spend.

An 88 berth marina, such as this one, has the potential to generate over €563,00.00. per annum in local economic activity. In addition our research shows that visiting boats spend on average almost €200 per night in the local community. Most of this money stays within the community. Our research also informs us that for every 2.7 marina berths, they support 1 full time job either in the marina itself or in associated business.

Stand alone marinas, like this one, are fine but they can become a real economic driver for an area when they begin to attract associated businesses into a Marine Industry Cluster of activity, such as boat sales, sailing and diving schools or bases for charter operations for deep sea angling and eco tours.

In terms of the marine leisure industry in Ireland it is worth in excess of €900 million per annum and accounts for 7% of our national tourism spend. Yet our national boat ownership ratio is low at 1 boat to every 156 people. Lots of room for expansion and development!

When you consider these figures and you realise what we have in terms of a natural resource on our doorstep, marina leisure tourism has the potential to deliver far more than it is in terms of international marine based visitors. We would like to see more incentives and promotional programmes put in place to encourage more overseas boat owners to base their boats in Ireland for at least two seasons to experience what we have on our South and West coast. To do this, however, we would need many more facilities such as this.

When you look at the global figures for marine activities, marine leisure tourism is the second most important economic activity after transport and shipping. It also accounts for 26% of the total global tourism product spend. The number one tourism product is cultural and heritage tourism at 27% of total global tourism. With our natural resources Ireland could become the marine leisure centre of excellence if it were to be developed in a sustainable way.

However, I am glad to say that attitudes are changing.

For the past 10 years the Irish Marine Federation has been calling for a National Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland, this request now seems to on the way to be answered.

There is one other person here to day I wish to thank and that is Minister Coveney. While he was in opposition he worked continually to promote the marine even when he did not have the portfolio.

We were delighted to see that he managed to incorporate Marine into his Ministerial title.

Through our involvement in ITIC, the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation I happened to meet Leo Varadka on the day that he was appointed as Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport and I asked him if I could come to see him regarding marine leisure tourism, his reply was, yes, certainly but Simon Coveney is going to do something in that area.

I also know from my ongoing contacts with Failte Ireland that both the Minister Coveney and Minister Varadka met with Failte Ireland to discuss progress on the development of a marine leisure tourism strategy.

So on behalf of the marine industry in Ireland we would today like to congratulate both James O'Brien on the official opening of his marina and look forward to future developments on this site and also Minister Coveney for his work in promoting the marine industry in Ireland.

Berth bookings now being taken on 087 3669009.

#JUMBLE – A Boat Jumble in Cork city planned for this weekend at Custom House Quay has been 'postponed' following organiser concerns about a 'low level of participation'. The plan is to tweak the event format to encourage a greater take up and 'reschedule for a new date' according to a Boat Jumble spokesman.