Dunmore East, Tramore, Ireland

Today the Tall Ships Race 2011 began off the coast of Waterford, Ireland. Hundreds of spectators watched the 50 Tall Ships (and numerous not-so-tall ships) sail down the estuary out of Waterford and head out to the open sea. The starting point of the race was rumored to be 4 miles off the coast and many of us wondered how, exactly, you set up a line for that sort of thing.

Entrepreneurial farmers near scenic overlooks sold parking spots in their fields. Families set up picnics, dusted off binoculars, and took photos. Yet there was no wind to speak of! Some of the smaller sailing ships opened their sails, but only one of the Tall Ships did. One presumes they remedied the situation closer to the starting line.

Is it just me, or does Enya come to mind?

In any case, I was glad I didn't get up as early as it seemed would be required to catch an alleged 7 a.m. departure. I got to sleep AND I got to see the one ship that unfurled its sails close to the shore. Fantastic!

ps: this picture is proof that there is sun in Ireland!

Edit: This ship is the Europa.

Seen any historical wonders lately?