Baltimore Sailing Club

10/06/2026

Official Welcome for the Nao Santa María in Baltimore Harbour

What a memorable occasion for Baltimore as the magnificent Nao Santa María received an official West Cork welcome following her arrival in Baltimore Harbour.

Representing Baltimore Sailing Club, Commodore Ruth Field formally welcomed Captain Pablo Fernández, Project Manager Desiree González, and the crew of the Nao Santa María, presenting them with a Baltimore Sailing Club pennant as a symbol of friendship, maritime heritage, and the strong connection between seafaring communities.

The exchange of pennants and the hoisting of the Baltimore Sailing Club colours aboard this remarkable replica of Christopher Columbus' flagship marked a proud moment for our harbour and a fitting continuation of centuries-old maritime traditions.

The welcome was attended by:

• Desiree González – Project Manager, Nao Santa María
• Pablo Fernández – Captain, Nao Santa María
• Noreen O'Mahony – Senior Executive Officer, Cork County Council
• Aoife Power – Administrative Officer, Cork County Council
• Cllr. Caroline Cronin – Chair, West Cork Municipal District
• Guitec Danno – Managing Director, West Cork Irish Whiskey
• Dr Noel Lawn – Baltimore Pirate Festival Committee
• Kieran Cotter – Baltimore RNLI
• Tom Bushe – Baltimore RNLI
• Ruth Field – Commodore, Baltimore Sailing Club
• Sarah Sinnott – Executive Engineer, Cork County Council
• Stuart Musgrave – Chair, Baltimore Community Council
• Bill & Ann Hillyard – The Algiers Bar & Baltimore Pirate Festival Committee

Baltimore has always been a harbour that celebrates its maritime heritage, and it was wonderful to see so many local organisations working together to extend a warm West Cork welcome to our visitors.

The Nao Santa María will remain alongside Baltimore's North Pier for public visits over the coming days, offering a unique opportunity to step aboard one of the world's most famous historic ships.

A sincere thank you to the crew of the Nao Santa María for choosing Baltimore as a port of call, and to everyone who helped make their arrival and welcome such a success.

08/06/2026

07/06/2026

BSC Sailor Helps Secure International Victory

Congratulations to Baltimore Sailing Club member Harry Durcan, who was part of the crew aboard the TP52 Final Final that secured overall IRC victory in the prestigious 151 Miglia Race in Italy.
Harry joined fellow Irish sailor Will Byrne and an international crew to claim top honours in one of the Mediterranean's leading offshore races, competing against a world-class fleet.
It's fantastic to see a BSC sailor representing West Cork and Irish sailing on the international stage.
Well done Harry and all aboard Final Final on a superb result!

Will Byrne and Harry Durcan help TP52 Final Final win Italy's 151 Miglia race and claim overall IRC honours.

07/06/2026

National 18 Irish National Championships 2026 – Sponsored by O'Mahony Pike.

What a fantastic opening day to the 2026 National 18 Irish National Championships, proudly hosted by Baltimore Sailing Club.

Despite challenging conditions with shifting winds and unpredictable gusts sweeping through Baltimore Harbour, Race Officer Ciarán McSweeney and his race management team expertly managed the course to complete four highly competitive races. The constantly changing conditions tested crews throughout the fleet and ensured an exceptionally close and tactical championship.

With just a handful of points separating many of the leading boats, the racing was intense from the first start gun to the final finish, showcasing the very best of National 18 sailing.

Away from the water, competitors and supporters enjoyed a superb post-racing BBQ courtesy of the Copplestones, providing the perfect opportunity to swap stories from the racecourse and enjoy the camaraderie that makes National 18 sailing so special.

A huge thank you to:

Race Officer Ciarán Mc Sweeney

The mark-laying and safety boat teams

Registration, results and shore volunteers

The Copplestones for the excellent BBQ

All competitors and supporters who travelled to Baltimore

Championship sailing is never possible without the dedication of volunteers, and once again the Baltimore Sailing Club team delivered a memorable day both on and off the water.

Results

🥇 Howlin' Mad – Alex Barry
🥈 Nacho Nacho Man – Charles Dwyer
🥉 Full Irish – David Kenefick

02/06/2026

Schull to Baltimore Race 2026 – Results

A fantastic fleet took to the water on Sunday 31st May for the annual Schull to Baltimore Race, with excellent sailing conditions and some closely fought racing across both the IRC and ECHO fleets.

Congratulations to all skippers and crews who made the journey across Roaringwater Bay and to everyone who helped make the event a success.

🏆 White Sail Division

🥇 1st (ECHO & IRC) – Mischief – John Molloy & crew
🥈 2nd (ECHO & IRC) – VSOP

Overall ECHO Results

🥇 Tighey Boy – Tony O'Brien & crew
🥈 3 Cheers
🥉 Man 2

🏆 Overall IRC Results

🥇 Tighey Boy – Tony O'Brien & crew
🥈 Man 2
🥉 3 Cheers

Special congratulations to Tony O'Brien and the crew of Tighey Boy, who secured victory in both the Overall ECHO and IRC divisions.

Many thanks to our race officers, volunteers, competitors and supporters from both Baltimore Sailing Club and Schull Harbour Sailing Club for another enjoyable day of racing.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back on the water again soon.

02/06/2026

BSC Member Racing Update – Joe Griffiths Takes IRC 1 Victory!

Fantastic news from the offshore racing scene this week as Baltimore Sailing Club member Joe Griffiths and the crew of Black Sheep claimed 1st Place in IRC One at the prestigious RORC De Guingand Bowl Race.

Sailing aboard Trevor Middleton's highly competitive JPK 1180 Black Sheep, skippered by Jake Carter, Joe helped secure the class win against a strong fleet in one of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's flagship offshore events.

This race forms part of the 2026 RORC Season's Points Championship, with Black Sheep now building momentum ahead of the iconic Round Ireland Yacht Race, which starts in a few weeks' time.

Everyone at Baltimore Sailing Club wishes Joe and the Black Sheep team fair winds and continued success as they prepare to take on one of offshore sailing's greatest challenges.

We also know a number of BSC members are likely to be involved in this year's Round Ireland Race, either as skippers, crew or support teams. If you're taking part, let us know — we'd love to follow your progress and share updates throughout the event.

Congratulations Joe and the entire Black Sheep crew on a superb result!

30/05/2026

This weekend sees the start of the Clubs new Off Shore series.

These races will be a small bit longer, around the islands and will encompass a Spinnaker and Whitesail class. This is a standalone series and is not part of the summer league. First gun is also slightly earlier at 13.00.

The summer has arrived 🌞⛵

30/05/2026

Baltimore Sailing Club would like to extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Cathal Cottrell on his retirement today as Mechanic of the Baltimore Lifeboat after an extraordinary 38 years of dedicated service.
Cathal's contribution to the RNLI and to the safety of our community cannot be overstated. For nearly four decades, he has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that Baltimore's lifeboats were always ready to answer the call, day or night, in all conditions.

The RNLI runs deep in the Cottrell family. Cathal followed in the footsteps of his father, who also served as Lifeboat Mechanic, while his grandfather served as Coxswain. Few families have given so much to the lifeboat service across generations, and Cathal has proudly upheld that remarkable tradition.

Throughout his years of service, Cathal embodied everything that is best about the RNLI – commitment, professionalism, humility and an unwavering dedication to helping others. His knowledge, experience and calm presence have been invaluable to countless crew members and have played a vital role in saving lives at sea.

While he may be stepping down from his official role, we know Cathal will continue to be a valued and much-loved part of both the RNLI family and the wider Baltimore community for many years to come.

Thank you, Cathal, for your outstanding service.

Enjoy your well-earned retirement.

Ruth Field
Commodore
Baltimore Sailing Club

Image@GaryMinihane