#classicboats –  The Crosshaven Traditional Sail event on the Irish south coast celebrates twenty years of age this season in Cork harbour when dozens of classic sailboats, traditional currachs and a vintage steam boat will line up at the Hugh Coveney pier in Crosshaven.

The Traditional Sail event takes place on the weekend of Friday 19th to Sunday 21st of June.

The classic regatta is a family favourite for landlubbers and seadogs alike with in-harbour racing, followed by barbeques and music in pubs throughout Crosshaven village all weekend. In keeping with seafaring tradition, there is a pirate theme to the regatta, with prizes for the best dressed pirates, salty seadogs, wenches and young admirals of the fleet.

The line-up also includes kids knot-tying and crab fishing competitions and informative lectures and talks on restoration projects past and present are held for the timber junkies among us! Traditional wooden boats which include Pat's Tanners own Galway Hooker, "An Faoilean" constructed over a century ago in Co. Galway and Ray Heffernans St Bridget built by Tyrells of Arklow are among the craft which will take part.

The fleet will assemble at the Hugh Coveney Pier from Friday evening, June 19th and visitors can see the boats up close by calling by on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Shore side spectators can watch the in-harbour racing from vantage points at Camden Fort Meagher or enjoy the parade of sail from Crosshaven village as the fleet will sail along the Owenabue River on Sunday afternoon.

The event was the brain child of local sailor and Boatyard owner Wietze Bowalda and some local publicans and has enjoyed fleet sizes of in excess of 40 boats. Over the last 20 years the event has been chaired by Mark Bushe and Pat Tanner who are also on the committee for the 20th anniversary celebrations.

Pirates at the Oar Pub

This year we have engaged the Drascomb Lugger class, the Heir island sloops and we are arranging a cruise in company from baltimore to encourage West Cork based boats to make the journey east. For the shore based, there will be Tall ships on the Hugh Coveney Pier and we are planning a fireworks display on the Saturday night to add to party atmosphere which takes over the village for this weekend each year.

"Crosshaven is a great host village for this classic event" explains event organiser James Fegan "There is excellent sailing waters in Cork harbour and as a spectator if you were to never leave the dock you can still get an appreciation of these classic boats. We have a loyal following of boat owners who come annually to the event from all along the coast.

"There's always a great atmosphere in Crosshaven on this weekend" explained Denis Cronin of Cronin's Pub "Everyone from the kids to the local business owners really embrace the spirit the event. Here in the pub we even exchange our regular glasses for jam jars... because pirates always drinks from jaaaaarrs!"

#traditional boat – Plans are now underway for PL 13 which, as part of the Old Gaffers 50th Birthday Celebrations, promises to be the biggest and best Peel Traditional Boat Weekend to date. Peel is the designated OGA Irish Sea Centre for those that can not make it to the climax of the celebrations in Cowes but would like to join in the Anniversary Festivities. Peel Traditional Boat Weekend has been extended to a five days festival and an exciting programme of events is being organised by the enthusiastic Committee who look forward to welcoming 'old gaffers', returning and new traditional boats to what promises to be the 2013 premier event of the Irish Sea.

Peel Traditional Boat Weekend is renowned for the hospitality it offers and 2013 will be no exception as kipper breakfasts, goodie boxes and evening meals will be provided, free of charge, for registered boats on every day of the festival. Once again Peel Sailing and Cruising Club will host the event and an exciting addition to the popular evening meals and entertainments is a Ceilidh at the Masonic Hall in Peel on Saturday evening which will provide visiting crews with a taste of Manx culture and a load of fun.

Record entries, a packed, vibrant harbour and a parade of sail second to none will be supplemented by a series of shore-side activities and entertainments. These will include the ever popular QUICK AND DIRTY BOAT BUILDING COMPETITION & RACE, the hilarity and banter of the Prize Presentation, live music from local groups, street artists and Manx dancers. As the Parade of Sail has been moved to Friday, it will give skippers and crews of visiting boats a real chance to show off their carpentry skills and enter the boat building competition. More details of all the festivities will be released as soon as they are confirmed.

Timetable so far!

Thur 8 Aug         Registration from 1300hrs

BBQ for registered boats at the Peel Sailing and Cruising Club

Fri 9 Aug             Parade of Sail

Pie and Pea supper at the Masonic Hall

Sat 10 Aug         Boat Building Competition on the Tongue, East Quay, Peel

Race of Competition Boats across the river mouth

Meal followed by a Ceilidh at the Masonic Hall, Peel

Sun 11 Aug         Parade of Sail

Hot-pot supper at the Peel Sailing and Cruising Club

Mon 12 Aug         Boats return to home ports or continue on the Round Britain Relay

Breakfast to be delivered to registered boats Friday to Monday inclusive