Friday 6th September
Today Paradox must reach Dublin, to be moored this evening at the Poolbeg pontoon.
Neither Bruno nor I are on the trip, because each has to go and meet his respective wife at the airport.
But Dorothy offers to complete the crew.
Dorothy at the helm on Paradox
Thus, the quartermaster Eric becomes Captain, the sailor Dorothy takes the rank of quartermaster, and the cabin boy Christian is promoted to sailor!
In order to take advantage of the downwind current, the departure is set for 2 p.m. Due to gusts of over 20 knots, Paradox leaves the Malahide channel under mizzen alone, reduced to two panels.
Neglecting a direct route, for this leg of about fifteen miles, the crew enjoys itself and takes advantage of the wind to break speed records. Paradox exceeds 10 knots, and the owner is not even on board!
Véro and Gina, two new crew members
Bruno, Véronique, Gina and I arrive at the right time to take the moorings lines of Paradox.
Wave Rover, with Alan and Kevin on board, arrive shortly after.
Alan, Kevin and Wave Rover II
The Poolbeg marina quickly fills up with the boats that will participate in the parade the next day.
The CAI (Cruising Association of Ireland), organizer of the event, will provide free moorings throughout the weekend.
The question of the evening meal is settled dynamically !
A formidable Kitchen team!
The respective crews of Wave Rover and Paradox, as well as the new arrivals, settle into our cockpit, while Bruno and Christian prepare an aperitif and an impromptu meal with the means at hand.
Happy reunion on Paradox !
Summer weather and a good atmosphere add to the joy of reunion, and we spend a pleasant evening.
Except for Alan, who will sleep on his boat, everyone joins Malahide by taxi.
Our wonderful hosts, Yvonne and Kevin Cardiff
Bruno, Véronique and Christian are staying with Dorothy and Joe, Gina and I are warmly welcomed by Yvonne, Kevin’s wife.
As for Eric, he spends the night on Kevin’s sailboat, which he must deliver single-handed to Dublin the next day, to his greatest delight.