On Sunday morning at 0800, the pilot boarded the ship and we proceeded to Cork, Ireland, a two-hour journey up a narrow river. Cadet Gibson was the senior cadet in charge of the watch, however, when we started to proceed up the river to Cork, Cadet Gibson was on the helm for the two-hour transit because the waterway was less than 300’ wide in many parts which included many sharp bends. He did an outstanding job as helmsman.

Cadets are having a great time ashore in Ireland. Today, over 50 cadets partook in a cultural tour of Ireland which included a visit to the Waterford Crystal Factory to observe how crystal is made. After Waterford, the tour bus took cadets to the Blarney Castle where cadets toured the castle and kissed the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are given the gift of gab.

Tonight, cadets will continue their study of culture abroad by visiting establishments that serve Irish food and have Irish folk music being sung by local musicians.



Captain S. Stephenson