Tom MacSweeney: Preparation and planning is vital before returning to the water

DEAD batteries are among the reasons that leisure craft get into difficulties.

Over my years of sailing I’ve learned that, although sails are the main power of a yacht, batteries are at the heart of the boat’s electrical system. So, the cheery greeting to me at O’Connell Batteries in the Marina Commercial Park during my twice-yearly visit there on Friday last was encouraging: “They’re ready...” The reference was to two very necessary companions aboard my Sigma 33, Scribbler. They were two batteries which had been on R&R, under low maintenance, charging since Scribbler was hauled from the water for the winter lay-up last October.

My visit to O’Connells is a prime part of preparations for the sailing season. With increased leisure activity on the water this month as more boats are launched for the season ahead, it is important to prepare safely. RNLI advice is to check boat equipment before launching. Battery failures are amongst difficulties that have led to emergency calls for help.

“Going on the water is great, there is a sense of freedom, but it is also a place where care must be taken to enjoy time afloat. Our safety advice covers a broad range of water activities. Whatever you do, no matter how experienced, taking a few minutes to understand the risks is worthwhile. That is not to put people off going on the water, but taking care is essential and that also means wearing a lifejacket. Be safe and summer ready when planning an activity on or near the water,” says the RNLI.

Keep that in mind.

Volunteers sought 

Meantime Cork Harbour’s lifeboat, at the Crosshaven Station, is recruiting for volunteer crew. Amongst requirements are to live within 10 minutes of the station, be a minimum of 18 years of age and prepared to undertake ongoing training. More information by emailing to: crosshavenlifeboat@gmail.com.

In recent days the lifeboat has towed a 28-foot yacht with an overheating engine to safety and a17ft. speedboat whose engine had failed.

On Sundays this month the Crosshaven crews are holding fundraising “Welly Walks” at 10am from the car park adjacent to the RCYC to Drake’s Pool and back, after which walkers are invited to a “Brew With the Crew” in the lifeboat station.

Mainport Cedar in Cork 

Mainport Cedar was an impressive sight at Cork Port for a crew change while in transit from Namibia to Rotterdam, having worked in Namibia since October last.

Captain Damien O’Sullivan, Mainport Marine Operations manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome our vessel for a brief port call to Cork, base port Walvis Bay & Luderitz. 

"Cedar is now transferring to the North Sea, working with the same client for the summer season, engaging in a number of projects (Seismic Support) with this client. 

"Mainport Cedar took the opportunity to call to Cork in order to carry out their Class Annual inspections with BV (Classification Society) and also to avail of the local service providers in order to renew some of the annual inspections/ maintenance on safety equipment and Life Saving Appliances etc. 

"We also took the opportunity to crew change (11 on/11 off) and both crews posed for the new Mainport Cedar football team. 

"The off-signers are the lads with the biggest smiles! Cedar sailed from Cork to Rotterdam and will work out of Aalesund/Norway as their base port for their next project.“ 

Founded in 1957 by Finbarr Ronayne the Mainport Group has worked in South America, the Middle East, Africa, Malaysia and the EU. Its fleet consists of eight vessels, including Tugs, Platform Supply vessels, Seismic Support vessels and a Seismic Chase vessel. Mainport currently employs 200 people covering its shipping, stevedoring, agency operations and worldwide crew.

“Being over 60-years-old we have experienced and survived many different challenges,” the company says.

Celebrating Cork's maritime heritage 

Meitheal Mara, founded in 1993 as ‘Community Workers of the Sea,’ is the organising force of the annual Cork Harbour Festival which last evening announced its plans for this year.

“Ireland’s largest celebration of maritime culture, heritage and family fun activities across 10 days from June 1 to 10,” Casey Walsh, Festival Marketing Officer, told me. We have a huge amount of water activities happening.” ‘An Rás Mór’ — the ‘Ocean to City Race’ — on Saturday, June 8, is internationally-recognised and maybe the best-known part of the festival.

“Ireland’s premier long-distance rowing race will welcome some 200 boats, featuring everything from traditional wooden working boats, currachs, skiffs, gigs and longboats to contemporary ocean racing shells, kayaks, canoes and even stand-up paddle boards,” Walsh said.

Registration to take part is at: oceantocity.com Over the weekend I saw currachs in the harbour, possibly getting themselves up to pace for what is a testing and demanding event.

Meitheal Mara has grown from an originally small idea into an internationally recognised leader in community-based maritime services, underpinned by the energy and skill of committed and enthusiastic staff and volunteers with the vision of growth through maritime heritage.

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