There are races to be won at Baltimore Regatta. Competition on the water is keen, but regatta day is not just about sailing — it is traditionally a day when people flock to Baltimore, both to watch the spectacle of yachts racing in the harbour and to enjoy the attractions and festive atmosphere on shore.

Of all the attractions that Baltimore offers, sailing is possibly the best known, but sailing in Baltimore doesn't just mean expensive off-shore cruises, crewed by visiting yachtsmen. At the core of the sport are the numerous dinghy sailors who find the harbour and the islands an unbeatable source of relaxation and fun.

The true delight of sailing in Baltimore is to visit some of the many islands which dot the waters of Roaringwater Bay. A beautiful summer's day; a picnic in one of the coves between Baltimore and Schull; a voyage to Cape Clear or Heir. Heavenly!  

Baltimore Regatta on the first Monday of August kicks off the week of sailing races popularly known as 'Calves Week' (from Schull on 4-7 August), called after the islands that lie at the centre of much of the week's sailing action (with a nod towards another sailing event taking place around the same time off the Isle of Wight).

If you're not a keen sailor, maybe try kayaking (sea or lake) or book a tour on one of the sightseeing operators and explore the wider harbour area, Roaringwater Bay and further offshore on the Atlantic Ocean for spotting marine wildflife such as whales, dolphins and seals.