Seascapes

We visit Blacksod Lighthouse in Co. Mayo and catch up with Peter Lawless, a sailor who is a month into what he hopes will be Ireland's first solo non-stop circumnavigation of the world.

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On Seascapes tonight Fergal is on board the Lady Min, a newly restored 110-year classic racing yacht. We go on a trip around the islands of Roaring Water Bay with Simon O’Keefe, who restored the boat. Noel Sweeney is quay side in Union Hall as fishermen have their catch weighed by the SFPA under controversial new regulations. And we hear from Michael Cullen in Tramore about the Metal Man, the iconic navigation aid in County Waterford and we hear Michael’s song The Ballad of the Metal Man.

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Seascapes this week visits Vicarstown in Couty Laois and the Barrow Line of the Grand Canal. Michael Lawless hears from boat owners and from Barrowline Cruises', Orla Crean, on their concerns about the current low water levels on the canal at the moment. We also have a response from Waterways Ireland. And we are on a Galway Hooker, undertaking a cultural mission to several of our Western Islands.

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As Ireland moves into the 21st century, a group of musicians from the western islands have found a unique way to gather and preserve their islands heritage and culture, and foster friendships and reconnections between their isolated island communities. The Galway Hooker, the MacDuach is pictured at Clare Island.

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RTÉ's Michael Lawless travels to Vicarstown, County Laois as one boat hire company questions if it can stay open, as low water levels make it extremely difficult for boats to navigate our canals. A historian, locals and a man living full-time on the canal, share their concerns and experiences. We hear from Waterways Ireland about the issue.

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An in-depth report on the sinking of the Cunard liner, the Lusitania, in May of 1915. Nearly 1,200 people lost their lives and historians discuss whether or not the tragedy led the US to enter WW1. We also hear contemporary eyewitness accounts of the sinking, including that of the U-Boat captain, who fired the fatal torpedo. Lorna Siggins visits the Aran Island of Inis Oirr, to hear about their campaign for a new pier. Lorna also visits the island's Arts centre to hear about an exhibition of currachs.

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Noel Sweeney visits Valentia Island, where he hears about the newly refurbished lighthouse and visitor centre. And Fergal Keane tries his hand at flyfishing in Co. Waterford, on a lake run by the Waterford City and County Trout Anglers. Visiting anglers to the lake are welcome and day tickets are available. Details on www.waterfordflyfishing.ie.

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We are in Kilrush and on board the yacht, Waxwing. We meet Peter Lawless who is about to embark on a solo, non-stop, around the world sailing bid. We hear about his preparations, about Waxwing and about his remarkable family history in long-distance solo sailing. If he succeeds, Peter will become the first Irish person to complete a solo, non-stop, circumnavigation.

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Tonight Seascapes is in Athlone, casting an eye over boats that have been put up for auction by Waterways Ireland. The boats were abandoned or seized from rivers, canals and lakes and are to be auctioned by tender. The closing date for bids is July 30 and details are on the Waterways Ireland website. We also hear from Stephen Morris, who has been rebuilding the classic yachts, Dublin Bay 21s, in Kilrush. The first three rebuilds are to return to Dun Laoghaire for the first time in 35 years next weekend. And pro sailor and commentor, Maurice 'Prof' O'Connell tells us of the progress being made in the bid to hold the 2024 America's Cup in Ireland.

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Seascapes tonight is on the Clare Island ferry in County Mayo. Joanna McNicholas hears how an increased frequency of ferries will improve life for the islanders. Alex Taylor is a young Irishman who is working in the fishing industry in New Zealand. He speaks about his life at sea, where he can spend up to 90 days at a time in the Southern Ocean. And Feral Keane goes fishing with renowned sea angler, Joe McPeake, for a successful day's fishing off Kinsale.

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