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#SeaThePlanes - Dublin Bay Cruises are offering a special sailing up the river Liffey next Sunday (15 Sept.) to view the spectacular Flight Fest flyover of aircraft over Dublin Port, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The sailing departs Howth Harbour at 12.30 pm and sails across Dublin Bay and up through the port as far the East Link Bridge area which will afford an excellent vantage point to view this amazing event.

Aircraft stretching seven decades will be represented as they fly above Dublin Bay before swooping over the port and city-centre at a mere 800 feet in altitude.

A notably Flight Fest flyover participant is the giant A380, the world's largest and latest commercial passenger airliner. The double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner is to be shown off by British Airways.

As previously reported, wings for the aircraft are constructed in North Wales and transported by ship to France, where the A380 is assembled.

Returning to the special sailing there will be a drinks reception served onboard followed by a seafood platter during the five-hour excursion which will also take in the scenic coastlines of Dublin Bay and Howth Peninsula.

The excursion continues from Dublin Port departing around 17.00hrs and sails to Dun Laoghaire Harbour and to arrive at 17.45 hours where passengers are to disembark.

Cost per person is €60. As places are limited to 99 passengers on board the St. Bridget (1978/100grt)  there are no discounts on this special sailing for students/children etc. For further information visit: www.dublinbaycruises.com

Published in Dublin Bay

About the TP52 Racing Yacht

The TP52 racing yacht is a remarkable example of cutting-edge technology in the world of competitive yachting. Measuring 52 feet (15.85 metres) in length, this vessel is constructed entirely from carbon fibre, making it an incredibly light and agile craft.

The TP52 features a 6.25-metre high rig, complete with a fractional asymmetrical spinnaker and a self-tacking jib. This design reduces the workload of the crew, allowing for more efficient manoeuvres and freeing up the crew to focus on the mainsheet upwind and on two-sail reaches.

The spinnaker rigging set-up, measuring 15.00 m2, presents a challenge to even the most experienced crews, requiring them to be fit and perfectly coordinated. Maneuvering the boat requires athleticism due to the vessel's lack of inherent stability and the high speed generated by the fully battened mainsail and jib.

The TP52's hull is constructed of fibreglass-reinforced polyester in a foam sandwich layout, resulting in a weight of just 74kg. The fully battened mainsail and jib are made from a transparent Mylar laminate with orange or red Dacron trimming, while the spinnaker is manufactured from ripstop Nylon.

The mast is made up of three parts, featuring an aluminium bottom and middle section, with a polyester-fibreglass composite tip to increase mast bend and decrease overall weight. The capsizing moment, which can be generated by a heavy mast tip, is also reduced through this design. The TP52's foils are constructed from either aluminium or fibreglass, depending on the specific requirements of the vessel.

Overall, the TP52 racing yacht is an exceptional example of the latest advancements in yacht design and technology. Its lightweight construction, advanced rigging, and high-speed capabilities make it a top contender in the world of competitive yachting, challenging even the most skilled and experienced crews.