Restored 200-year-old longboat ready to race

A LONGBOAT washed ashore in west Cork more than 200 years ago is being brought back to life by a project to help young rowers preparing for international competition.

The 38-foot Bantry Bay longboat is set to have its first public outing for the Ocean to City boat race in Cork on the June bank holiday weekend.

But the finishing touches are still being put on the vessel, the hull of which has been almost completed by a team led by Bantry man Diarmaid Murphy. It will soon be moved from the workshop in Waterford to the Meitheal Mara boat-building centre in Cork city for the final construction phase.

The centre managed by Pádraig Ó Duinnín produces traditional currachs and namhógs but this project is being undertaken for the planned Atlantic Challenge Cuan Chorcaí (Cork Harbour) organisation, being set up to train young people in the skills of seamanship for international competition.

The aim at the moment is to travel to the Atlantic Challenge next year in Quebec, Canada, where youngsters are tested in rowing, sailing, man overboard and other skills.

“The idea is to take traditional skills associated with these kinds of boats and using them for young people to develop discipline and teamwork,” said Pádraig.

When finished, the boat will be one of just 60 of its kind in the world and allow local participants compete against those from 20 other countries which take part in the Atlantic Challenge events, regularly held in Europe and North America.

The vessel is being built along the lines of the surviving longboat washed ashore in Bantry Bay in 1796 and will be just the fifth of its kind in the country.

“Atlantic Challenge will give the young people of Cork city the opportunity to experience the excitement these boats have to offer and become part of the Irish Atlantic Challenge family taking part in events at home and abroad,” said Mr Murphy.

The costs of the project are being met from a number of sources but maritime and historical enthusiasts are being asked for their support at an event on February 16, when Hal Sisk will present a lavishly illustrated and informative talk on his restoration of the 1894 yacht Peggy Bawn at a fundraising dinner at the Clarion Hotel in Cork.

Tickets for the event are €100 per person or €900 for a table of 10 and further information is available from Meitheal Mara on 021 4316813.