#DivertedCruiseShip – A sail-assisted five mast cruiseship with up to 310 passengers was forced to cancel an anchorage call off Dunmore East today due to strong winds and divert to Dun Laoghaire Harbour, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Unfavourable winds early this morning off Dunmore East prevented the transfer of passengers ashore by tenders from the 14,745 gross tons Wind Surf. Instead the flagship of Windstar Cruises which boasts five towering masts (each 50m high) made the passage to Dublin Bay later today with a mid-afternoon arrival.

It would be further two hours before she finally docked within Dun Laoghaire Harbour at 5pm following berthing safety procedures that required having to call out a tug from Dublin Port.

Once inside Dun Laoghaire Harbour the Wind Surf (if to include the bowsprit is 187m long) was understood given asistance by the tug, Beaufort. This enabled Wind Surf to approach astern alongside Carlisle Pier that is adjcent to the East Pier and jetty structure. 

It was a case of déjà vu as only last week the 116 passenger Island Sky as previously reported on Afloat.ie had required the same tug service. On that occasion, it transpired once inside the harbour, weather conditions did not require tug assistance as Island Sky managed under own her power to berth at Carlisle Pier.

The delays to Wind Surf passengers from making a port of call to the south-east is somewhat offset as the French built vessel is to spend an overnight call tonight in Dun Laoghaire. Wind Surf as it happens was already scheduled to call to the harbour tomorrow morning. 

On previous calls to Dun Laoghaire Wind Surf has self-unfurled her triangular sails by computer operated winches when departing the harbour. So hopefully this will be repeated as strollers stride the pier tomorrow (Monday) when she is due to depart at 6 o'clock. 

Last week, a fleetmate Star Legend albeit a conventional cruiseship paid a visit to Dun Laoghaire Harbour and likewise at Carlisle Pier.

Only the smaller shallow draft cruiseships can be accommodated inside the harbour. Of the 18 cruise calls expected this record breaking season, only four will make an in port of call as much larger deep draft cruiseships have to anchor offshore.

If Star Legend seems familiar the almost 10,000 tonnes cruiseship visited the harbour last season. The 212 guest vessel had been under the banner of Seabourn Cruises which sold the Seabourn Legend to Windstar.

She belongs to a trio of sisters that were all sold and renamed as part of Windstar Cruises mixed fleet of vessels.