[Leica] IMGs: I blame Kyle for my cold...

[Douglas Barry]

Kyle's interesting essay on Lafayette and the Tall Ships prompted me to 
check port times here in Ireland as I know the ships are coming to Belfast 
next week. To my surprise, I noticed the Wind Surf - a five masted sailing 
cruiser (187 metres) operated by Windstar Cruises - was leaving Dun 
Laoghaire harbour just down the road from my house at the very time I was 
looking at the computer. I understand it's one of the biggest sailing ships 
in the world. I grabbed my Nikon, jumped into the car, and raced off to the 
harbour.

Pulling up beside the pier in a cloud of tyre smoke and brake dust, I was 
disappointed to see the ship had just cleared the dock. However, I did get a 
few shots. Had I realised earlier the ship was there, I would have been at 
the lighthouse at the end of the pier to see the ship from a closer 
viewpoint, especially as it switched from engine power to sail power. The 
sails are computed operated and the whole transformation is very 
impressively seamless.

The ship was helped by a stiff and chilly breeze which speeded its exit 
across Scotsman's Bay and into Dublin Bay, but cut me to the quick as I 
didn't bother to bring a jumper and I nearly froze. The heatwave we're due 
in a couple of days can't come quick enough!!

Here are the pics, and as I had no time to find a tripod, and was shivering, 
they could be better...
http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/DouglasBray/Dun+Laoghaire/Boats_Ships/

Douglas