We are safe in the big fishing harbour at Howth, north-east of Dublin. We are on our way at last.
At 11.45 am we cast off from Custom House Quay on the Liffey and with a typical shower on our backs and a good current helping us, the Sea Stallion was soon up to speed. A few minutes down the river, we set the sail. Almost perfect. After 10 months without its eager hands, the Sea Stallion was in really high spirits and we left the rain behind us at top speed.
Before the departure, homage was paid to the whole crew with speeches, music and song. And there were about 10,000 people on the quayside. Applause rained down on us and there were smiles on the faces of the crew, as pride mixed with deep concentration. In our wake followed about 100 vessels: classical sailing boats, huge pleasure yachts, small curraghs, rubber dinghies, motor boats, rowing boats – every conceivable kind of floating vessel.
We set course for Howth. It’s to the north, but the meteorologists promise southerly winds in the coming days and we need to get the ship and crew working well together. The last two members of the crew arrived Saturday afternoon and there has not been much time to talk about routines and safety. And some of the equipment is not yet in its proper place. So after breakfast tomorrow morning, the various sections on board will hold meetings.
Then we will soon be on our way south, hopefully. Homeward bound!
And there, we hope a lot of people will drop by to see our magnificent ship.