Opening Cermony address by President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MICHAEL D HIGGINS AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE ATLANTIC CHALLENGE BANTRY BAY GIG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012 BANTRY, CORK SATURDAY, 21ST JULY 2012 PARADE OF NATIONS PHOTOS -click to view Ladies and Gentlemen Tá áthas an domhain orm bheith anseo inniu i mBeanntraí chun Craobhchomórtais an Domhain i mBá Bheanntraí a oscailt go hoifigiúil. Ba mhaith liom buíochas speisialta a ghabháil leis an tUasal Mark Wickham as a chuireadh cneasta agus buíochas a ghabháil libhse as an bhfáilte croíúil a chur sibh romham. [

It gives me great pleasure to be here in Bantry this afternoon to open the Bantry Bay Gig World Championships 2012. In particular, I would like to thank Mr. Mark Wickham for the kind invitation to join you, and also all of you for your generous welcome.] As a nation, we have here in Ireland the sometimes challenging economic or trading difficulties of being an island nation but we also have the immense potential of the sea and what it makes possible. We have a valuable natural resource in terms of inland and off shore waterways of which we should be careful and be very proud. Maritime sport has an ever-increasing high profile in this country and its popularity continues to increase. At the beginning of this month, we saw the wonderful reception in Galway for the Volvo Ocean Race participants, following their 39,000 kilometre race around the World. The World Youth Sailing Championship has just completed in Dublin Bay, with many of the most skilful young sailors in the World taking part. And, of course, I have just had the honour of meeting Steve Redmond, who has brought great pride to this country by becoming the first person to swim the seven oceans of the world. Here today in Bantry we have yet another exciting reminder of the important legacy that is our sporting, social and historical identity. As we come together here today for the Atlantic Challenge, being held for the first time in sixteen years in Bantry, we are gathered in a town rich in maritime history; a town that spent its earliest days acting as a refuge and place of sanctuary for fishermen and merchant boats. I know that Bantry remains very proud of that connection to the sea, devoting the beautiful historic church near the old fish palaces to the memory of St Brendan the Navigator, and erecting a statue in his honour here in Wolfe Tone Square. I am aware too of how the mari-culture of mussels has become an important industry in Bantry Bay and Bantry is now establishing a reputation as the home of Irish mussels. Tourism is, of course, also an important part of modern day Bantry’s economy, with the coastal scenery of the area remaining a magnetic attraction for visitors from Ireland and abroad. There can be no doubt that Bantry remains a town proud of its connection to the sea and determined to maintain and reinforce that important natural link. That connection with the sea has also secured a special place in Irish history for Bantry Bay as the focal point for the late 18th Century French landing at the instigation of Theobald Wolfe Tone. Today we celebrate yet another link with that proud and rich past. The Atlantic Challenge is a hugely popular international event but it is one that is particularly close to the hearts of people here in Bantry. As you all know the Atlantic Challenge Boats are modelled on the Bantry Bay longboat left behind in this town during the ill-fated landing attempt at Bantry Bay by Wolfe Tone and a French armada in 1796. Today more commonly known as Bantry Bay gigs, these longboats have now been built in countries across the globe making Bantry an image, an icon, and a place synonymous with this famous biennial event. It may be over two hundred years since that frustrated attempt to re run the French Revolution and Bantry has, of course, evolved into a modern and contemporary town. And, like all other Irish towns, cities, villages and suburbs, this town has had to face significant challenges in recent times. Here, as in the rest of Ireland, the wounds of business closure, collapsing house prices, unemployment and emigration have cut deep. However, time and again since I became President I am struck by the great resilience of the Irish people, by their ability to come together as communities in order to assert themselves as participative and energetic citizens working together towards a better future. That resilience is reflected in the Atlantic challenge. The challenge is, I recognise, of course a contest of seamanship that tests crews’ abilities to sail. More than that, however, the Atlantic Challenge is also a celebration of comradeship and of working together to achieve a common goal. The contestants in this event must be prepared to work as part of a crew. They must be active participants in the process, prepared to fully utilise their own skills and talents while recognising and respecting the individual contributions of the other members of the crew. They must have that mix of generosity and humility that will allow them to offer support when it is needed and accept assistance when it is in the interests of the wider group; and at all times they must understand that, if the crew don’t work effectively together, disaster could strike. When I was inaugurated as President of Ireland I spoke of the importance of working and building together an active, inclusive citizenship; based on participation, equality, respect for all and the flowering of creativity in all its forms. I also defined active citizenship as something which required the will and the opportunity to contribute at every level and in every way – to be the arrow; not the target. Níl aon amhras agam ach go bhfuil spiorad láidir mhuintir na háite le feiceáil i mBeanntraí inniu. Tá gnéithe den shaorántacht gníomhach agus spiorad láidir an phobail le feiceáil fud fad na háite. Is cúis mhór bhróid dom é seo. Mar sin déanaim comhghairdeas libh go léir as an ról gníomhach agus pearsanta atá ag gach duine anseo i sochaí cruthaitheach, bríomhar Bheanntraí. [It is evident, here today, that this spirit is alive and well in Bantry, a town imbued with a sense of active citizenship and a deep community spirit. It gives me great pride to see that, and I congratulate you and commend you for taking seriously your role as true citizens who each have a personal role to play in creating and nurturing a vibrant, caring and forward looking society.] Atlantic Challenge Ireland is an associate member of Atlantic Challenge International and I would like to take this opportunity to commend them for all the hard work and effort they have put in over the years. I would particularly like to congratulate Diarmuid Murphy, Chairman of the Atlantic Challenge this year, and all the others involved for organising this celebratory event here this week in Bantry. Finally I would like to welcome all the participants and spectators who have travelled from all parts of Ireland and from all over the world to Bantry. I hope you have been enjoying some of Cork’s famous hospitality and also the beautiful setting for this year’s Atlantic Challenge. The shores of Bantry Bay itself facing southwest with the Beara Peninsula on one side and the Sheep’s Head Peninsula on the other offers a stunning backdrop of breath taking scenery in which to hold this event. I wish all the participants well this week and I hope all who come to watch this exciting competition will be exhilarated by the sight of these longboats and come to appreciate even more our maritime heritage and sport as we turn our faces with respect and confidence to the sea, its challenges and its possibilities. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.

Avast, me Hearties: There's a Pirate Day in Bantry on Saturday!

Avast, me hearties. Are ye ready for a bit of piratin' and carousin'? Well, the shores of Bantry Bay are lookin' most inviting this weeken', for the town of Bantry be having a Pirate Day on July 28th, with plenty for pirates of all ages and sizes to do! The more the merrier, they say, so all's we need to do is plot our course through what they're off'rin'! Pirates, Ahoy! A Pirate Flotilla will assemble at Abbey Point from 11 am with all types of craft flying the Jolly Roger before they visit themselves on the town. Crew, all dressed in pirate gear, will make their plan of attack, before sailing into the harbour, under the command of Captain Bantry, aka Whitebeard Seanie O Leary. The treacherous fleet will depart Abbey Point at 12 noon sharp and head for Bantry Town to be met by a water arc as they enter the Harbour View area. The flotilla may be in for a surprise, so the landlubbers say, as local children put up a fight to defend their town against invasion. Pirates Beware! By 1pm, (despite the children's best efforts!) there'll be real-life Pirates on Wolfe Tone Square, swashbuckling and terrorising the natives with balloons, juggling,and whatnot. If you're fit to handle a bit of pirate mayhem, Bantry's the only place to be this weekend. Learn to be a Pirate For anyone new to the pirating lark, there are plenty of chances to learn the ropes,with sword fighting displays taking place on the town side of the square. An Eye for Treasure If it's riches you're after, there'll be gold panning in the boules area at the bottom of the square (€1), where gold nuggets can be traded for pirate treats. Counting our Pirate Haul To help us break an Irish record, we'll be counting the pirates larking around the town on Pirate Day. Make sure you visit the Pirate Stand where every pirate attending will have their name added to the dishonourable roll of Atlantic Challenge Bantry Pirates. To qualify, you'll need to be dressed as a pirate with a hat,bandana or eypatch, and pirate vest/jacket/ shirt (DIY outfits count). Each official pirate will receive a "Bantry Pirate Brand" to show they have been counted Best Pirates: All Ages! Open to all, young or old, small or tall! Judging will take place on Wolfe Tone Square plaza between 2 and 3pm, and our roving judges will be keeping an eye out for the most swashbuckling and dashing pirates that happen past during that time. No pirate likes to be under the eyes of the law like that, but there's booty to be had, and the finest pirates will be delighted with their haul. And More ... There'll be a magician, face painters, balloon artists, a chocolate fountain, a snow globe, and water-zorbing, as well as free live music with contemporary Irish Folk band Shavers Only. The music will go on into the night, for every pirate that loves revelry and carousing, so make sure you're there! Don't miss out on Pirate Day! Bantry's the only place to put down anchor on July 28th. Pirate Day is part of the Atlantic Challenge Fringe Festival, so, for more details, follow the Atlantic Challenge Facebook page.

Food Fair

The Atlantic Challenge is in Bantry this week! 16 Crews, 320 crew, pirates, parties and FOOD!! The Bantry Bay Festival of Food takes place in the square on Sunday July 29th from 11 am to 5 pm. An Extravaganza of Food Featuring: Cookery Demonstrations Food Stalls Spit-Roast Pig Fresh Seafood Local Chefs As the Atlantic Challenge contest draws to a close, and after the pirates have had their revelry on the 28th, it will be high time to relax and enjoy the finer things in life. On Sunday 29th July, the Bantry Festival of Food, sponsored by Bord Bia, is bringing together foodies, chefs and food producers on the shores of Bantry Bay to enjoy the best of the great food West Cork has to offer. As you watch the curraghs, windsurfers and wooden boats in Bantry Bay, you’ll get to pick up tips from local chefs, and sample your way through stalls that showcase the best of Irish food. The festival features Cookery Demonstrations by Local Chefs Local chefs Pat Kiely from O’Connor’s Seafood Resturant, Henry Hegarty from Wokabout, Rachel Dare from Organico, Benoit from Lorge Chocolates and Caroline Moore from The Seaside Kitchen will share their ideas and expertise with you, and you’ll get to taste some great food too at their free demonstrations! Food Stalls by the Harbour You’ll have to choose between Dexter beefburgers, Thai tastes from Wokabout, pizza by Pizza Base, cheesy delights from Manning’s Emporium, Organico’s salads, The Real Olive Stall’s olives, fresh seafood and more! There’ll even be a spit-roast pig cooking over a smokepit barbecue courtesy of Barbecue Joe’s Pause for incredible artisan coffee from Cafe Mezzo, savour Mella’s amazing Fudge, or try fresh juices and smoothies from Hyacinth in Mallow. Did we mention Lorge chocolates, puddings from The Seaside Kitchen, and gluten-free snacks from Oasis Baking. You won’t go home hungry, and if you decide not to go home at all, you’ll get to enjoy the fireworks at 11:30pm, closing a fantastic 10 days spent celebrating all that’s great about West Cork.

ATLANTIC CHALLENGE PHOTOS

DAY 1 of COMPETITION PRESIDENTIAL VISIT & OPENING CERMONY preCompetition training

Atlantic Challenge Bantry2012 Presidential

 

Crews in Pre competition Training

Lightcraft is GO!

On Saturday Night the Lightcraft was officially switched on and will
continue to light up the inner harbour for the duration of the Atlantic Challenge.

Ruairi Deane of the victorious Bantry U-21 team started the count down
and Louise O'Donnell flicked the switch cheered on by spectators from the quayside.
Thanks to Ian Vickery for the fantastic photos.

Atlantic Challenge 2012 Event Descriptions

 

               

programme of Events Atlantic Challenge Bantry 2012

Full Programme of events

AC IRELAND: Atlantic Challenge 2012

AC IRELAND: Atlantic Challenge 2012

Bantry2012 Atlantic Challenge Programme of Events

national events guide tv3

CLICK TO SEE TEAM IRELAND IN TRAININGtu.be

TEAM IRELAND - CREW UNITE 7TH JULY 2012

Team Ireland "Crew ÚNITE" tRAINING

TEAM IRELAND CREW "ÚNITE" PRACTICE IN THE UPPER HARBOUR WITH THE SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED FOR BANTRY2012 "LIGHTCRAFT" IN THE BACKGROUND

Programme of Events and Fringe Festival

programme_of_events_

ATLANTIC CHALLENGE EVENT SITES

View Bantry 2012 in a larger map

It started as a thought, a little bit of imagination was added

   -  the young school kids of the Bantry Bay area were asked to assist

lots of milk was drunk. milk containers were emptied, washed out and brought to school.

The response was fantastic with excess containers collected.

The army of milk bottle contractors met up with the man with imagination and from the first thought the "LIGHTCRAFT" was created

 Next Step: Call in the Electricians & Light it up

 BANTRY 2012 WEBSITE   Information email            youtube

facebook  TWITTER  Fringe Festival blog  Pirate Festival Blog

Bantry2012 Atlantic Challenge  International Contest of Seamanship & Fringe Festival

21^st – 29^th July , Bantry,West Cork, Ireland.

An International Event being hosted by a small Coastal Community

Bantry2012 Atlantic Challenge

• International Contest of Seamanship involving 16 competing nations with 320 Crew members competing in 11 events over 8 days
• Slalom/Ropework/Navigation/Rowing/Sailing(x2)/Oars & Sail(x2)/ManOverboard/Passage Race/JackStay Transfer
• Non Competitive Events : Captains Gig & Esprit

Bantry2012 Fringe Festival

This Festival aims to bring merriment and fun to all in the Bantry area in July with the goal of promoting Bantry as a fun tourist destination. The fringe festival will run for the duration of the Atlantic Challenge -

Events Scheduled

Twilight Pagent -A journey from light into darkness.....awakening the senses. A night time extravaganza showcasing amazing Irish talents,including shanty singers,street performers,drummers.Prepare to be amazed.

 

Family Fun Day:  Young and old,large and small,all family members invited to dress up and take part in a fun filled afternoon.Great prizes for amazing,imaginative costumes.

A host of tricksters  and street entertainers  lead the parade through the streets.Fun and mayhem for all ages.

 

Pirate Day: Day Starts with a pirate floatialla and then an invasion of Bantry. Cut-throat raiders sail on the tide to ransack Bantry’s treasure. Pirate Floatialla sails through Bantry Bay seeking to pilage and plunder the town

 Food fair: The Bantry Bay Festival of Food will celebrate the wonderful food culture of the Bantry Bay area, with cookery demonstrations from local chefs, fresh seafood, spit-roast lamb and pork and a variety of food stalls.

 

Sea Shenannigans: Traditional Boat Festival/Currach Racing/ Windsurfing/Junior Team Sailing event Raft Race

 

Live Music : Approx 20 different bands will play over the event – all for free to the public. The variety of music that is being provided will appeal to all tastes and ages.

 

Additional Events:  Art Exhibition /Kids Art Competition/ Photo Comprtition/Tailor&Anysty Shows/

Lifeboat Open Day And Air Sea Rescue Demo /Guided Town Walks/

Lightcraft/Camera Obscura/ Road Bowling/Dog& Terrier Racing

 

 

• Nationwide will spend 2 days filming the Bantry area and will air on Mon 23d at 7pm RTE1
• National marketing will be undertaken with ads on RTE Radio 1/ TV3/ 96fm & C103 along with Failte Ireland and social media outlets
• The festival will also be promoted through hotels in the Cork & Kerry area along with having a marketing presence at the Volvo Ocean race promotions area.

Official Opening by Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland with full military Guard of Honour accompanied by entertainment from the No. 1 Army Band

• Supported By Simon Coveney, Minister for the Environment, Agriculture & Food
• Minister For Sport Leo Varadker has shown an interest in the Irish Crew and is calling to see them in training while he is in the Bantry area

For Further Information: please contact: email: proteam@bantry2012.com   or see attached links at heading of email

pirate floatialla

pirate floatialla

Pirate Day Fancy Dress!!!

Ahoy mates! Swashbucklers of all ages will be converging on Bantry Bay to participate in the Inaugural Bantry Bay Pirate Fest, 28^th July weekend. Whether you’re discovering Pirates  for the first time or you just want to join in the merriment , you will not be disappointed. Featuring a Pirate Parade, Live Entertainment, There will be a Pirates mingling in the town with local merchants getting into the act. d. Scheduled activities   include: the  , children’s and adult’s costume contests,   Pirate Invasion  )followed by walking the plank  and “pillaging” of the town. There is always face painting, story telling, photo opportunities, games and activities, and the infamous “Pirates Pub Crawl” (sorry kids, adults only!). Various piratical entertainment and seafaring themed merchants will be on had to add to the festivities

1 MONTH TO GO!!!

Pirate Day Saturday 28th July

Bantry2012 Fringe Festival Pirate Fest

Ahoy mates! Swashbucklers of all ages will be converging on Bantry Bay to participate in the Inaugural Bantry Bay Pirate Fest, 28^th July weekend. Whether you’re discovering Pirates  for the first time or you just want to join in the merriment , you will not be disappointed. Featuring a Pirate Parade, Live Entertainment, There will be a Pirates mingling in the town with local merchants getting into the act. d. Scheduled activities   include: the  , children’s and adult’s costume contests,   Pirate Invasion  )followed by walking the plank  and “pillaging” of the town. There is always face painting, story telling, photo opportunities, games and activities, and the infamous “Pirates Pub Crawl” (sorry kids, adults only!). Various piratical entertainment and seafaring themed merchants will be on had to add to the festivities

Festival of Food Bantry2012

Bantry Festival of Food, Sunday July 29th 2012 (11 - 4.30pm) The Sea-side Car park, Bantry, Co Cork.

Fancy a day of indulgent culinary delights in Bantry? Come and join us on Sunday the 29th of July! The Bantry Bay Festival of Food will celebrate the wonderful food culture of the Bantry Bay area, with cookery demonstrations from local chefs, fresh seafood, spit-roast lamb and pork and a variety of food stalls. You will find a huge selection of delicious foods to enjoy on the spot or to take home. From approximately 11am to 4pm on the 29th of July. The festival will coincide with culmination of the Bantry 2012 - Atlantic Challenge where 16 international longboat crews will take part in a week-long rowing competition, so there will be plenty of entertainment for all the family!

"BANTRY2012" FRINGE FESTIVAL: A comprehensive programme of events has been organised to entertain all the visitors to the beautiful coastal town in West Cork this July. Starting with a Parade of Nations, Twilight pagents with singing, dancing , drummers, fireeaters, kids fancy dress, PIRATE FESTIVAL, Food Fair, Fireworks Display, Photo Competitions, Art Exhibitions and all for FREE. Set your compass to 51.41N 9.27W and head to Bantry this July. log onto www.bantry2012.com

TEAM IRELAND - CREW UNITE TRAINING (JUN 11)

Gigs en Route

Some countries participating in the Atlantic Challenge in July have already packed their gigs in to containers and sent them on the high seas -destination Bantry Bay.

We are counting the weeks now and looking forward to a fun filled week with plenty of Maritime activity to look forward to.

Bantry is getting ready to welcome all visiting teams from all nations and regions.

The final program of events will be out soon and there will be plenty going on for supporters, friends and family.

Team Ireland : Crew UNITE : Training session June 4th 2012 :

Open publication - Free publishing - More bantry

Indonesia looking forward to Atlantic Challenge Bantry 2012

Afloat Magazine: Spring Edition Tom Mc Sweeney Article

go out and buy Afloat Magazine to see excellent Article on Bantry 2012 Atlantic Challenge

Open publication - Free publishing - More afloat

Ambassadors of Atlantic Challenge Booklet

Open publication - Free publishing - More international

Fringe Festival Highlights announced

Open publication - Free publishing - More atlantic

Atlantic Challenge Bantry2012

Open publication - Free publishing - More atlantic

Team Ireland: Selection process getting closer:
"Unite" launched last Sunday after undergoing repairs and decoration over the winter months.
Water based training to commence shortly after crew selection.
Team Ireland Atlantic Challenge Bantry 2012 - Panel

COUNTDOWN: 110 DAYS to Atlantic Challenge "Bantry2012"
Preparations for event are well advanced with  logistics for all water based events at finalisation stage. Crew accommodation and food requirements also nearly complete.

see attached link to Atlantic Challenge related Youtube clips. If you have other youtube clips or video please forward details to  email: pro@bantry2012.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/Bantry2012AtlanticCh?feature=g-all-sAtlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship Video Links

Launch night

Here are a few pics of the squad,2 are of the launch night in the clarion hotel in cork city and the final pic is of the squad at our Dinner Dance at the Westlodge hotel Bantry!

new sails and repairs :)

Hello all, unite is propped up and currently recieving repairs in her winter home based at the airstrip hanger in Bantry!also i took a spin to goleen this morning to see the new sails that are nearly finished and we should have them come the end of next week,compliments of Christophe Houdaille of Fasnet sails,here are some pics. keep an eye on our blog to see this years Squad profiles!!

regards John.