A HANDFUL of lucky
locals and visitors to Inishowen Head this week were
stunned to discover the starting point for the
world's biggest Tall Ships' Race in 2008.
What they were also witnessing was the largest
gathering of tall ships anywhere in Europe this year
- 70 vessels in total representing countries from
Brazil and Mexico to Bulgaria and Oman. |
The ships sailed to the
calm and glistening waters off the Foyle on
Wednesday for the shotgun start around 3pm. The
night before, the tall ship Asgard dropped anchor
off Greencastle to pick up its locally-based chef,
Kevin O'Leary for the onward voyage.
The local visit followed the fleets' parade down the |
 |
Mersey river in
Liverpool two days earlier as part of the Scouse
city's stint as European Capital of Culture.
The vessels and crew then headed from Liverpool due
north to Inishowen Head to get ready for their
challenging voyage to Måløy and Bergen in Norway and
Den Helder in the Netherlands. The four host ports
have been planning for many years to ensure that the
8,000 trainees, crew and tourists enjoy the
beautiful and elegant event. Maritime lovers can
only hope Greencastle might get a more deserving
starring role in the event next time around. |
