Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2015/06/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]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