49.58.00N 10.52.00W Farewell

Irene IV - World Adventure
Louis Goor
Mon 11 Oct 2021 12:43

Hoopla's, horn blasts and ceili music sent us off in style - and a little
bit of "Thank God they are finally gone!" It has been a long and oft arduous
road to bring us to this moment.
At each point and head, as we exited Kinsale harbour, there was another
group of well-wishers gesticulating and hollering, answered with horn blasts
deftly delivered by George.
Sully even roused himself from a post birthday party slumber to paddle out
and say farewell. He was treated to a rollicking rendition of Happy Birthday
sung by the Irene IV crew.
Monique and George stayed aboard for the initial exit - perhaps hoping to
stow away (does George have some exams he might prefer to miss?). A slick
manoeuvre by Stuart, our skipper, and Peter Williams, aboard his 24 foot day
cruiser, gathered the would be stow aways off to their land jobs. More
waving and horn blasts.
The Irene IV crew - Stuart (big boss), Louis (little boss), Eddie (daddy),
Sabine (mummy) and Jono (nipper) - motored out as far as Kinsale old head,
whereupon Stuart carefully hoisted the brand new mainsail. We motor sailed,
with the engine purring gently like a happy cat, throughout the day and
night, allowing for lively conversation and restful sleep. Finally, at 0515,
11th October, 50' 13" N, 010' 47" W, the stay sail went up and the engine
was turned off. We are sailing! At an average speed of 6.2 knots and a
gentle Atlantic roll, breakfast at 0800 was very pleasant.
Yesterday, we were treated regularly throughout the day to dozens of
dolphins playing at the bow. But the true delight was the dazzling display
after dark of the glittering night sky mirrored in the sea by dancing
dolphins sparkling with phosphorescence.
As land gradually became a distant memory on a glorious Autumn day, the crew
felt blessed and protected by nature's fare- thee-well committee - a seal in
the harbour, dolphins throughout the day, the occasional juvenile Gannet and
2 sightings of pilot whales.