The four transatlantic sailors who braved 25-ft waves when they crossed the Atlantic in a homemade raft made from logs, plywood and foam yesterday departed from Castletownbere on the next stage of their voyage.
David Pearlman (65), his wife, Betsy Tyrell (46), Roger Doncaster (44) and Edward Garry (37), slipped quietly out of Castletownbere on board Son of Town Hall after spending 11 days repairing their vessel in the west Cork port.
They aim to sail to Le Havre in France where they can let their dogs, two Rottweilers and a Mexican Chihuahua ashore. The dogs were confined below decks in Castletownbere because of Ireland's strict quarantine rules. They plan to travel through France using the country's extensive canal system linking rivers in the north with the Rhone-Saone system to reach the Mediterranean and avoid the Bay of Biscay which can throw up treacherous storms.
The foursome, who spent 63 days crossing the Atlantic, then plan to sail to the Suez canal on their 50-ft houseboat before making their way into the Indian Ocean and on to India.
The rafters repaired problems with their auxiliary diesel engine in Castletownbere. They had planned to leave before the weekend but postponed their departure because of bad weather.
"They really were very nice people and fitted in very well while they were here - we wish them well on their voyage," said Fine Gael county councillor, Mr Michael Harrington.