Displaying items by tag: Eleanora

20th December 2022

Classic Yacht Fans Get Christmas Present With News Of Eleanora Re-build

The 160ft schooner Eleanora, a modern classic based on a 1910 design, is in the long process of rising from what seemed to be a permanent watery grave after she was T-boned in Tarragona Harbour in June by a hefty Marine Service Ship, resulting in a maritime horror video which went viral

It was October before negotiations had reached the stage where a three week retrieval process – involving much specialist equipment and a team of thirty experts - could set about lifting her. And once she was out of the water, to the casual observer she might have looked much as she’d been before. But anyone close to the project knew that bringing her back to life would be a doubly complex process, as it has to be a complete re-build, while also incorporating any of the interior furnishings and other items which have somehow survived intact, in order to maintain as strong a connection as possible to the original much-loved boat.

So it will come as no surprise to those with knowledge of the top end of the international marine industry to learn that the job is being done in The Netherlands. Quite how the Dutch find any time to go sailing themselves is a matter of wonder, as their leading yards have carved out an unrivalled position at the top of the classic and superyacht industries, and regardless of the world’s general economic health, they seem to be busy all the time. In fact, it may well be that in these volatile times, authentic classics are a currency in themselves, and catering for its needs can be a 24/7 job for the most successful companies. But whatever the reason, Eleanora is a very beautiful yacht, and after June’s shock it will be good to see her sailing again.

Timeless classic beauty – Eleanora is based on the 1910 schooner Westward. Photo: Eleanora Galleries

Published in Historic Boats

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Eleanora

Tarragona Boat Crash - The Movie

Friday morning's horror crash in Tarragona in Spain between a massive supply ship and the berthed classic schooner Eleanora (162ft) is now on YouTube in several versions. The shock of seeing such a vessel - one of the finest of the classic reproductions, and a replica of the legendary Westward - is made all the more horrific by noting how her masts and rigging are shaken like toys in the excruciating impact.

As Afloat previously reported here, Eleanora then sank in the harbour.

See the vid below

Published in Superyachts

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Eleanora

162 ft Schooner Sinks – Tarragona's Red Peril Puts Paid To The Elegant Eleanora

Until this morning, the 162ft (49.5m) classic schooner was one of the most beautiful boats afloat. But in Tarragona Marina in Spain today, some manoeuvring by a large red work-ship didn't quite go according to plan, and Eleanora floats no longer. Howth sailor Luke Malcolm couldn't believe what he was seeing but stayed cool enough to record the scene.

The photos speak for themselves.

Eleanora hit - Moment of impact - and this was no nightmare, this was real Moment of impact - and this was no nightmare, this was real

Eleanora sunk - How do you even begin to sort out something like this? How do you even begin to sort out something like this?

Published in Historic Boats

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Forty Foot Swimming Spot on Dublin Bay

The 'Forty Foot' is a rocky outcrop located at the southern tip of Dublin Bay at Sandycove, County Dublin from which people have been swimming in the Irish Sea all year round for 300 years or more. It is popular because it is one of few spots between Dublin city and Greystones in County Wicklow that allows for swimming at all stages of the tide, subject to the sea state.

Forty Foot History

Traditionally, the bathing spot was exclusively a men's bathing spot and the gentlemen's swimming club was established to help conserve the area.

Owing to its relative isolation and gender-specific nature it became a popular spot for nudists, but in the 1970s, during the women's liberation movement, a group of female equal-rights activists plunged into the waters and now it is also open to everyone and it is in the control of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Many people believe that swimming in extremely cold water is healthy and good for the immune system.

Is it safe to swim at the Forty Foot?

The Forty-Foot is a great place to swim because there is always enough water to get a dip but like all sea swimming, there are always hazards you need to be aware of. For example, a lot of people like to dive into to the pool at the Forty-foot but there are submerged rocks that can be hazardous especially at low water. The Council have erected signs to warn people of the underwater dangers. Other hazards include slippy granite cut stone steps that can often be covered with seaweed and of course marine wildlife including jellyfish that make their presence felt in the summer months as do an inquisitive nearby Sandycove seal colony.