( Overview
/ Two Bullocks on a Boat in Eire
One of the lovely things about sailing is the varying view from our cabin. Our portholes are at bed level so at anchor we can see the changing horizon as we swing (this morning it was the shoreline of trees), other times it’s a wall, boat, pontoon or distant lights … or even a beautiful sunrise.
As the day grew lighter it became mistier.
As we left our anchorage, however, the mist cleared and sun shone. On the downside, as Kevin pulled up the anchor, the nylon bow roller, which holds the chain, disintegrated. He was able to get the anchor stowed, but we’re now looking for a new one. It was going to be a morning of problems, though…
…because we didn’t get far before there was a squealing noise and smoke from the engine. Fortunately we were just passing East Ferry Marina so returned to our berth. On investigation it was the fan belt being worn away, but being one of the spares we carry, Kevin was able to replace it quickly.
George at East Ferry Marina aka Marlogue was great. When he saw we’d returned he came down to see if he could help.
Heading off again to Monkstown.
A short journey within Cork Harbour, but interesting.
As we were approaching Cobh, a large Ro-Ro (roll on, roll off) Cargo ship, Clementine, was coming out of Cork. Because of the way the channel runs, for a while it looked as though it was heading straight for us.
Once Clementine had passed, the Offshore Patrol Vessel, Le James Joyce P62 motored passed. Built by Babcock Marine Appledore, and commissioned in 2015, it is deployed patrolling the Irish coast. It has also be involved in rescuing refugees and sadly recovering bodies in the Mediterranean.
Sailing passed Cobh (pronounced Cove). During a visit by Queen Victoria, the village and Royal Navy Port was named Queenstown, but after the Irish War of Independence was renamed again.
Dating back to 1907, the chimney stack is the only remaining structure from the Power House which generated electricity for the town.
St Colman’s Cathedral Church is one of the tallest buildings in Ireland standing at 300 feet (91.4 metres).
Cobh was a major embarkation point for many emigrants, both to America and to the penal colonies of Australia. It was the last port of call for the Titanic, and when the Lusitania was sunk by a U-boat, the survivors were brought to Queenstown. It is now a port for cruise liners and has a ferry.
Le Samuel Beckett P61 is the Irish Navy’s other Offshore Patrol Vessel, the first to be named after a world renowned Irish playwright and author, rather than a mythical figure from Ireland’s past.
The main naval base and headquarters of the navy is sited on Haulbowline Island. The world’s first yacht club was also founded here in 1720. Since 1966 the island has been connected to the mainland by a road bridge.
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