The Ilen’s Gary Mac Mahon & Paddy Barry are Sailors of the Month (Cruising) for September

2nd October 2019

The Ilen under full traditional sail in Greenland – the success of her 2019 voyage to the Arctic gave real meaning to the eleven-year restoration project. Photo: Gary MacMahon

The long story of the re-birth of the 1926-built 56ft Conor O’Brien trading ketch Ilen of Limerick was acquiring an almost wraith-like aspect until in 2019 – the restoration job completed – she undertook the very tangible 5000 miles Salmons Wake voyage to Greenland for inter-cultural exchange, research into salmon migration, and data-acquisition on climate change. Project Director Gary MacMahon – whose unflinching faith has kept this extraordinary concept moving ahead – was skipper for the outward passage from Ireland, whiled seasoned voyager Paddy Barry – who was aboard throughout the time away from Ireland – brought Ilen home safely across the restless North Atlantic in unsettled early Autumn conditions.

gary macmahon2 Gary Mac Mahon aboard Ilen in Nuuk – his sustained vision resulted in the restored Ilen’s successful voyage to Greenland. Photo: Chelsea Canavan paddy barry mountains3 A man of the sea and the mountains and the ice – Paddy Barry safely skippered Ilen home from Greenland across a restless Autumnal North Atlantic

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