Historic round the world trip honoured by Limerick sailing event
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.
“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.