Exploring Southern Ireland by Pilot Cutter

Join Eve for cruising, after the Fastnet Race

The Bristol Channel Pilot Cutters Owners Association have created a much more civilised Fastnet Race, just for Pilot Cutters in 2012.  Starting from Falmouth, the fleet will hopefully only have to beat to windward from the Lizard to Lands End if the wind is in the South West, and then these powerful gaff cutters can spread their wings and perhaps enjoy an immensely satisfying fast reach from Lands End all the way to Fastnet Rock. 

The other cunning bit is that we are not racing back, but staying to enjoy the delights and hospitality of the far South West of Ireland. Each pilot cutter is likely to have their own exploration agenda, so in the vast cruising ground between Dingle and Kinsale we may be 'ships that pass in the night.'

Long Island Bay, Fasnet Rock and Cape Clear

This is Eve's first foray to Ireland, so we will try not to get too excited and pack too much into one week. The places on the chart all have a familar ring, having featured in many a book, shanty or poem.  There are enough anchorages in Long Island Bay and all its islands alone to keep us busy....or you might be tempted to go around Fastnet Rock just one more time for the cameras.  Cape Clear Island has a tiny harbour , gaelic speaking locals and the islanders pub Danny Mikes for a pint of guiness.

Mizen Head, Bantry Bay & Kenmare River

Cork, Crookhaven and in the far West, Castletown (now Castletownbere) were vital anchorages for the British Navy Atlantic Fleet and these vast natural harbours were retained by Britain until 1938. Castle and watch towers built through the centuries can be found on many Atlantic facing headlands. Nearby Bearhaven is the only marina in the far South West, so if you love wildlife and anchoring in special places, this is the voyage for you. Glengariff Harbour is a wonderful natural harbour with tropical gardens ashore and islands protecting the inner anchorage. You may wake up to a misty morning with Rhodenendons on the shoreline and wonder where in the world you are.  Kenmare River has many white sandy coves, rocky hillsides and dry stone walls. 

Castlehaven, Kinsale, Oysterhaven & Cork

 Castlehaven is a beautiful natural harbour as you head back eastwards towards the Old Head of Kinsale. Stone forts, castle, warehouses along the waterfront from the time when it was an important trading port and a large watermill further up the creek are all work a visit.  Kinsale and Cork are deservedly great sailing bases with godd pubs, amazing seafood and no doubt some live traditional music ashore to celebrate a great week.

Experienced Sailors or Adventurous Beginners

There is no experience needed for our coastal voyages, but this is a remote part of the world with fast moving weather systems, ocean swell and many other factors that mean plans can change quickly and even short passages can be quite challenging.  There are many similarities with our Isles of Scilly voyages. Lots of rewards, but everyone maybe needed to keep the boat safe.  Eve will carry a skipper and a professional mate on this voyage, so if you want to learn about pilotage and navigation, then this would be a good voyage to learn from two staff instead of one.We welcome potential watch leaders who may be interested in sailing as a mate on future French or Scilly Island Voyages.

Eve of St Mawes - Sail as crew in the pilot cutter Fastnet Race 2012 (only 5 berths for guest crew)

Eve of St Mawes - 6 day voyage exploring South West Ireland 2012 (only 5 berths for guest crew)