44:03.76N 12:39.01W Life aboard Irene IV
Irene IV - World Adventure
Louis Goor
Wed 13 Oct 2021 11:37
Two nights ago night, on Monday 12th October, as the wind built, we felt
like we were in the Volvo Ocean Race! Irene IV skimmed along as if she were
gliding on a glassy pond. Eddie was in raptures of extasy. However, as the
night wore on the sea state became increasing confused, and iced with white
caps, and the rapture was replaced with collective common sense. When
speeds topped 13-14 knots, Irene IV had reached her limit and sails were
trimmed accordingly.
On Monday we woke to a pod of Pilot whales, on Tuesday to a sole Petrel,
patrolling the skies and on Wednesday, to a lonely Spanish juvenile
seagull, hoping for scrapes. Thereafter, the occasional Gannet and some
dolphin have been our only visible companions.
Despite the milder temperatures, the breaking of the waves across the deck,
serving as our daily shower, necessitated the donning of oilskins at all
times.
Unfortunately, the higgledy piggledy sea state has brought about some sea
queasiness amongst the crew, but have no fear, sea legs will soon be found.
We are currently sailing on a course of 195˚S, bringing us through the
island archipelago of Madeira, in about 4 days, with the anticipation of
some future visual treats.
Needless to say, Louis has already been dangling from the boom, with his
bum supported on Eddie’s head and on the aft deck precariously perched
atop the hand rail, this time with said bony bum on Jono’s head. Needs
must! Louis is indeed his father’s and his grandfather’s (Pop) son. It is
said that Pop was unkillable at sea. He had many an instance of running
aground, many capsizes, and general mishaps that would have marked the exit
gong of a lesser man.
Goor cousins, Peter, Eliza and Harry Williams live in Rearcross, Co.
Tipperary, land locked. On Saturday, 9th October, they loaded their 24 foot
day cruiser onto the trailer, hitched it to the car and motored off to
Kinsale. Early on Sunday morning at high tide, they eased the boat down the
slip with a long line attached to the toe hitch of their jeep and launched
her. Birthed adjacent to Irene IV, they awaited our departure. We were
privileged to be escorted by them out of Kinsale harbour and grateful that
they performed the epic stow away retrieval. Thank you to all 3 for their
fantastic and much appreciated efforts.