A fleet of up to 25 Galway hookers will leave Galway docks on a rising tide today (Sunday, Aug 21) to compete in the Bádóirí an Chladaigh regatta.
Light westerly winds are forecast for Galway Bay, with racing among the smaller vessels – as in gleoiteogs and pucáns – due to start at 12 noon.
The leath-bhád and bád mór class will follow, and spectators should be able to view the fleet from Salthill promenade, according to Peter Connolly of Bádóirí an Chladaigh.
The fleet from the city has been joined by vessels from the county, a number of which were at the Cruinniú na mBád festival in Kinvara, Co Galway last weekend.
Thunderstorms had forced postponement of racing at the Cruinniú on Sunday for the larger vessels, and an initial plan to reconvene on Thursday was also shelved.
Connolly paid tribute to Galway harbourmaster Capt Brian Sheridan for accommodating the visiting traditional craft during the week.
An Mhaighdean Mhara was first boat home in the turf race from Parkmore to Kinvara last Saturday when hundreds of people attended the 43rd annual event.
An Tonai and crew off Parkmore for the turf race at Cruinniu na mBad Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy
The bád mór was followed by An Tonaí in light winds and an incoming tide, while gleoiteogs competed in the outer bay.
The St Catherine won the gleoteoig class, followed by Naomh Ciarán and An Phantra,
The Naomh Stiofáin won the gleoiteog beaga class, with second place going to the McHugh, according to festival organiser Dr Michael Brogan.
