Scrap Û200m port expansion plans, An Taisce head urges

AN energetic Corrandulla native is set to leave her job in the world of corporate banking to brave the elements in a gruelling test of physical and mental fitness and endurance Ð a yacht race spanning 35,000 miles around the globe.In September, 29 year-old Orla Mellett, who is from Bolisheen in Corrandulla, will ditch weathering a job in the current global financial storm, in favour of braving some of the worldÕs toughest weather conditions Ð including winds of more than 100 km/h and waves of more than 100 feet Ð as she joins the crew on a 10 month jaunt.To raise money for charity, she will be part of the crew of the 68-foot yacht named ÔCorkÕ, one of ten yachts competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Ð the first time there has been an Irish entry in the 13-year history of the race.The Cork (so named because it is sponsored by Cork City and County Councils as well as F‡ilte Ireland) will be manned by a varying 42-strong crew under skipper Richie Fearon over the ten month duration Ð 24 men and 18 women ranging in age from 26 to 61 and spanning five nationalities. There will be 19 on-board at any one time.However, Orla is one of the ten crew members who face the punishing challenge of being on-board for all seven legs of the race, to raise funds for Cro’, the West of Ireland heart foundation and Aware, the depression awareness charity.She has...