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Objectives: The main objectives of the weekend were to celebrate the revival in traditional boat building in the area, to encourage a local interest in the boats and to develop a regular event that would forge links with traditional boat lovers of other areas and countries.
Weather: The weather in the weeks prior to the 2002 Festival could hardly have been worse with gales up to Force 9 battering the coast. The forecasts, however, were for the weather to improve leading to the dilemma of whether or not to postpone the Festival. It was decided to continue but, unfortunately, the adverse conditions prevented some of the registered boats travelling from Sligo, Galway and Limerick. Most of the skippers and crews of these weather-bound boats travelled by road to attend the Festival instead.
Friday Night Barbecue: A barbecue was held in the garden of the Algiers Inn on the first night of the Festival. Kieron Walsh of the Algiers could not have been more helpful. The barbecue grills were outside under cover and a canopy was erected to provide shelter over outdoor tables, with all the facilities of the bar available to those who wished to be indoors.
As planned, the night provided a great opportunity for all the visiting boat crews to meet with local boat builders, the sea-going community, local interests, etc.
Saturday Sailing Events: The strong winds on Saturday prevented the smaller boats from racing but the larger boats, such as the Long Island Mackeral boats, provided a great display of sailing skills.
Saturday Land-based Events: The Baltimore Sailing Club was the venue for a photographic exhibition of traditional boats and their construction. Videos of traditional boats under sail were also shown.
A master sail-maker from the UK, Patrick Selman, demonstrated traditional sail-making. This was of great interest to the older members of the community, stimulating discussion on the sail-making techniques of the area which have died out.
An exhibition of model boats and memorabilia took place in the Antique Room, Bushes Bar. The preparation of this exhibition unearthed model boats and an old saling diary from the 1800s which had not been seen in public before.
Saturday Night Buffet: A packed Sailing Club was the venue for a buffet on Saturday night, continuing the interaction between visiting crews and local enthusiasts. It was also an excellent opportunity to showcase local food produce.
Sunday Sailing Events: The morning event finished at Sherkin Island and the last event of the afternoon was a Parade of Sail which passed close to the Baltimore Piers to give as good a view as possible to the watching crowd. Participating were Long Island Mackeral boats, Heir Island Lobster boats, the Bantry Long Boat, a Cork Harbour One Design and curraghs.
Prize Giving: This took place in the marquee outside the Baltimore Sailing Club. All the visiting crews told how much they had enjoyed the Festival and all expressed the hope that this would become an annual event.
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