When it comes to boats and sailing, West Cork is a mecca of sorts depending on outlook and interests.

West Cork is preparing to be the centre of attention in the sailing world over the coming week, as thousands of sailors from around the world and closer to home head for the Fastnet Rock.

Maritime-themed Radharc is ship-shape and is sure to attract attention from sailors and landlubbers alike, writes Tommy Barker

Steady as she goes is the message from Schull Harbour Sailing Club as the organisers of the West Cork season highlight make final preparations for next week’s annual Calves Week regatta.

Sailing

Green Property’s Stephen Vernon has swooped on one of West Cork’s loveliest spots, he tells Tommy Barker.

After Wednesday’s weather spectacular in West Cork, light winds returned for the Cork Dry Gin Calves Week fleet for a three-hour race around the islands of Roaringwater Bay.

SAILING: A soft day marked the opening race at Cork Dry Gin Calves Week yesterday and with it, light to moderate winds and thundery rain just as racing ended.

The opening race of the Cork Dry Gin Calves Week saw 60 boats compete around the West Cork Islands yesterday in the first of four days of competition organised by Schull Harbour Sailing Club.

LIGHT winds and glorious blue skies have marked the first few days of Calves Week in Schull this year.

WITH over 80 confirmed entries already, the 2008 Calves Week in Schull, is again expected to top the 100-boat mark for the annual west Cork festival of sailing.

THOUGH they are not a peculiarly Irish institution we have infused them with a flavour and vigour uniquely our own.