Cirrus came to Ireland in the summer of 1928. She was built for a Captain Hall of Donabate in Co. Dublin.

She was built in Chester, England. Her construction is pitch pine, with Oak ribs. She was fitted with 3 20 h.p. engines, and a steadying sail on her bow. On her sea trails she attained speeds in excess of 14 knots. Not bad for a vessel weighing over 10 tons.

During the 2nd. world war, Cirrus seems to have been moored on the Grand Canal, then back to Howth Yacht Club, where she first went in 1928.

In the aftermath of the great train robbery, 1963, Cirrus was arrested by the Garda, who seemed to think she was transporting the loot. After ripping her apart on the inside, two young carpenters were given the job of putting her back together. Since then Cirrus came to the R. Shannon, then was moored at Baggot St. Bridge about the 1970's, where she featured in a John Hynes postcard, of which we have one framed in the wheel-house. Then back to the Shannon. Cirrus has had engines replaced, and now has a single BMC 2.5 with a hydraulic drive, which was done in the early 1990's. She cruises around at a nice 6 knots in winter or summer.

Cecil and I have had her since 1998, and have been to Dublin several times, where she helps to dredge the canal, also the Erne system and Limerick to Foynes. This year she will again be going to the Fleadh in Tullamore and to Limerick. We have also brought her to Athy and all towns on the Barrow on the way.

Over the last 10 years we have had her lifted, not easy when a ton of Ballast has to be removed first, and had over 40 planks and ribs replaced. Unfortunately, pitch pine being scarce and expensive, we have got extra long planks of Larch.

Cirrus is an elegant old lady at this stage, but is still a dream to handle, except when the wind is strong on the beam, when she fairly rolls. We enjoy using her all year round, hail rain or snow.

Geraldine Wilson