28:45.22N 15:20.56W Reflections from the Lower Decks !

Irene IV - World Adventure
Louis Goor
Tue 19 Oct 2021 17:00

The regular columnist is on holiday today

Each of the crew have had different motives for participating in this
initial sea trial from Ireland to Spain.

Once the passage to Las Palmas commenced perceptions of what lay ahead
became a reality and not necessarily what we had envisaged.

New perspectives were gained for the virgin sailor and old joys of life on
the ocean reawakened for the experienced hand.

Gratitude to the architects of this trip abounded as well as for the
latitude given by those at home to allow us to partake in this leg which is
just a sliver of the overall voyage. We are truly lucky to have been given
the opportunity to partake and digest this time off grid.

Time alone on board was never a burden as our souls were polished by the
lack of life's noise and the simple pleasure of feeling a boat move beneath
you as you gazed at a cocktail of meditative options. There is something
spiritual and beguiling in finding a comfortable nook and allowing the
vistas of sunlit, or for that matter moonlit, seas seep into your core as
you glide through them. The accompanying background music of the boats wash
as it swept past amplified the experience. Trying to find meaning of our
place in this vast universe of ocean, sky and stars prompts endless thoughts
and questions.

Time in company was equally fulfilling. We opened our selves to new friends
as well as a deeper appreciation of older friends. The sense of "meitheal" *
and purposefulness was always constructive particularly at mealtime. The
fledgling IRENE IV ensemble of violin, bodhran, bread board, spoons and egg
shaker will continue to make waves. Never have a crew on a yacht been so
well looked after or so well nourished.

As fortunate participants for this leg of the IRENE IV's voyage of awakening
we can only applaud the scale of the ambition of our host and equally his
sister. We are humbly grateful.

E and J

*Meitheal is an Irish language word for collective assistance for a common
aim