Historic Irish vessel the AK Ilen skippered by Conall Morrison with a ten man crew led an Irish international sailing event called the ‘Saoirse Rally’ from Dublin, Ireland into the Port of Funchal, Madeira, Portugal on Monday 3rd July 2023 to commemorate the centenary of the circumnavigation of the globe by legendary Irish sailor Conor O Brien, who hailed from Foynes, Co. Limerick.
Authorities in the capital city of Funchal, Madeira, Portugal were so captivated by the historic nature of Irish sailor Conor O Brien’s circumnavigation that they fully committed to work with the Irish Cruising Club to host the international ‘Saoirse Rally’ event which has welcomed participants from multiple countries.
Clube Naval do Funchal (CNF) is acting as host club for the rally in Funchal supported by Madeira Ports Authority (APRAM), and the Regional Tourist Authority (DRT). The international ‘Saoirse Rally’ has been welcomed to a specially installed marina in the Funchal Events Basin and is a featured event in the Madeira tourist calendar this year. A series of welcome events are now taking place including a reception at the Events Basin, a series of tourism activities for visiting Irish sailors to experience the islands, a Regatta with members of the Cruising Club of Funchal (CNF) and a closing event on 8th July 2023.
Welcoming the ‘Saoirse Rally’ to the Port of Funchal, Vice President of Clube Naval do Funchal, Maria do Livramento Silva said:
“It is an honour for the Clube Naval do Funchal to be the host club to celebrate such an important moment of the centenary of the circumnavigation of Mr. Conor O Brien and his passage through our island of Madeira in 1923.
Our club’s mission is to promote a nautical culture by our young people. Thus, in this event we involved the students of fifteen schools from our island in the contest “Crosswinds”, which sought to sensitize the educational community to the importance of nautical activities, the promotion of health and well-being and the preservation of nature. We are pleased to support this important historical event, in joint partnership with our Department of Tourism, Regional Government, which we believe is an excellent vehicle for the promotion of our island and potential nautical tourism in the future.
It is with great pleasure that we welcome the Irish Cruising Club. We have provided the best of our island to all participants and we hope to have the pleasure of having you with us again in the near future.”
Speaking at the welcome reception upon the arrival of the ‘Saoirse Rally’ to the Port of Funchal, Irish Cruising Club Commodore David Beattie said:
“The Irish Cruising Club has had a wonderful welcome on Madeira. If anything it exceeds the welcome received exactly one hundred years ago by our first honorary member, Conor O Brien on his circumnavigation. The people and the authorities in Funchal have made a huge effort to receive our influx of yachts from Ireland and our neighbouring islands. Our host club the Clube Naval do Funchal are wonderful hosts. This demonstrates the links between our two islands. Truly we are both Atlantic peoples, joined rather than divided by the ocean”.
Conor O Brien (1880-1952) was a legendary Irish sailor who made significant contributions to the world of sailing. O Brien began his sailing career at a young age, and his love for the sea would eventually take him on adventures around the world.
Conor O Brien designed and commissioned the Saoirse, a 42-foot ketch for the circumnavigation, which was built in Baltimore in West Cork in 1922. Conor O Brien’s circumnavigation commenced from Dun Laoghaire on 20th June 1923. This journey, which began in 1923, took him two years to complete and covered over 40,000 miles. The Port of Funchal in Madeira, Portugal was his first port of call, where he arrived on 3rd July, 1923. Conor O Brien was the first sailor to circumnavigate the world via the 3 Great Capes which was a remarkable achievement. His journey inspired other sailors, and he is still celebrated today as a pioneer in the world of sailing.
O Brien was also an accomplished mountaineer, patriot, architect and author.In addition to his circumnavigation, O Brien was also an accomplished writer and wrote several books on his sailing adventures. His books, such as “Across Three Oceans” were popular among sailors and adventure enthusiasts and provided insight into his experiences and the challenges he faced during his voyages.
O Brien’s passion for sailing, his adventurous spirit, and his pioneering achievements have left a lasting impact on the world of sailing, and he will always be remembered as one of Ireland’s most accomplished sailors.
