Cathal Doherty, 9 Jul
THE CENTENARY anniversary of one of the most historic Limerick sailing
achievements has been marked with a new international sailing event.
The Saoirse Rally organised by the Irish Cruising Club was launched
from Dun Laoghaire harbour to commemorate Limerick sailor Conor
O’Brien’s successful circumnavigation of the globe.
Mr O’Brien, from Foynes, was the first sailor in the world to
circumnavigate the globe in a small yacht via the three great capes.
He did so aboard the Saoirse, a 42-foot ketch which he had
commissioned.
Conor O’Brien’s circumnavigation commenced from Dun Laoghaire on June
20, 1923. The Port of Funchal in Madeira, Portugal was his first port
of call, where he arrived on July 3, 1923.
To mark the occasion, an international gathering of yachts voyaging
from multiple locations was launched from Dun Laoghaire on June 17 with
their sails set for Madeira, arriving at the port last Monday, July 3.
Speaking during a planning meeting for the Saoirse Rally Irish Cruising
Club Commodore David Beattie said: “This rally is a great example of
modern Irish sailors being inspired by the adventures and achievements
of innovators such as Conor O’Brien a century ago.
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“His inspiration and influence were such that sailors from Ireland have
experience in every ocean, with club members enthusiastically cruising
worldwide, including both Arctic and Antarctic waters,” he said.
The authorities in the capital city of Funchal, Madeira, given the
nature of Conor O’Brien’s circumnavigation, committed significant
resources to hosting the rally, and welcoming yachts from various
nationalities and countries.
Manager of charities the AK Ilen and Sailing Into Wellness James Lyons
said: “Marking the centenary of Conor O’Brien’s circumnavigation is an
important event, not just for the sailing community but for the entire
community of Ireland.
“O’Brien was a pioneer and an adventurer, we maintain his legacy by
sharing that sense of adventure with today’s young people while
connecting them with the sea,” he said.
Mr O'Brien's journey inspired other sailors, and he is still celebrated
today as a pioneer in the world of sailing. In addition to his
circumnavigation, O'Brien was also an accomplished writer and wrote
several books on his sailing adventures.
His pioneering achievements have left a lasting impact, and he will be
remembered as one of the most accomplished sailors in Ireland.