The world's most famous shipwreck, the Irish-built Titanic, and the sailing adventures of Erskine Childers, author of The Riddle of the Sands, are themes at this year's Glandore Classic Boat Regatta and Summer School, which opens in the Cork harbour town today.
Shipwrecks off the Cork coast and the history of the Irish fishing industry will also be discussed.
Speakers will include maritime historians Hal Sisk, Criostoir Mac Carthaigh, Donal MacPolin and Darina Tully, folklorist Bairbre ni Fhloinn, and journalist Arthur Reynolds.
The classic boats regatta will be opened on Friday by international yachtsman Lawrie Smith. Racing takes place in Glandore harbour over the weekend, with a parade of sail on Sunday afternoon.