Féile Mhic Dara, Carna

A Traditional Sailing Boat Festival displaying unique Irish boats such as currachs and Galway Hookers including the Bád Mór, Gleoiteog, Leathbhád and Púcán classes of boats. Traditionally used along the coast of Connemara

Races
Hookers are now used as a leisure craft: the skills of boat builders and crews can be appreciated during the Summer boat races. In the races, the sailing course is set with bulls and the boats have to go out to them and round them a fe rounds. Before the start of the race, three different whistles are allowed so that the conductors are ready. When different types of boats take part in the same race, the slowest boats start after the second whistle. The time interval between the second and third whistles indicates the handicap in that particular race. While waiting for the third whistle, the sailors keep the boats afloat so that they can better measure the course and weather.