Set sail for Baltimore Boat Festival

WITH cannons blazing and a crew dressed in colourful period costume, a spectacular tall ship is expected in the harbour village of Baltimore today marking the start of the acclaimed Baltimore Seafood & Wooden Boat Festival.

The SV Matthew, a modern recreation of the square-rigged caravel in which John Cabot sailed from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1497 is anticipated in the West Cork village between 4pm and 5pm.

The Bristol-based vessel, which will remain in the area for about a week, will carry passengers on harbour cruise sailing trips during her visit to Baltimore and will also visit Youghal, Waterford and Belfast.