After six weeks at sea the big day had finally arrived - the crew were up early and there was a real sense of excitement and expectation in the air. The ship was jam-packed, as many of the crew who departed in Skye were back for the final leg of the 1000 mile journey. David flew in late last night and was obviously very pleased to be back in the 'Sea Stallion' fold. He told me 'it's slightly strange being back on the ship, after having been watching from home for 3 weeks, but it's great, and I am really excited about heading into Dublin as part of the crew.'
The final few yards of the epic journey
As we set off from Malahide ominous grey skies loomed on the horizon - typical of the weather 'Sea Stallion' has faced this summer. However, when the crew rowed out into the open sea the sun emerged and we were on our way to Dublin, a mere 9 miles sail down the coast. As soon as we were clear of the headland the sail was hoisted – and it was an all girl team swinging and controlling the yard (the beam that holds the sail). Louise told me afterwards 'we thought that we would bring a bit of girl power to the final day on the 'Sea Stallion''. It had been thought that the wind forecast would mean that the crew would have to row, or be towed, into the mouth of the Liffey, but with a favourable wind we sailed all the way, much to everyone's satisfaction.
Entering the mouth of the river, we all realised that something special was in store – many small boats came out to meet us, and several Irish Naval vessels full of press photographers and camera crews began to circle. However, this was nothing compared to what awaited us at the Industrial dock area; we were met by a fire tug spraying huge arcs of water across the river, clearing the passage for 'Sea Stallion'. As we passed the numerous vast tanker and cargo ships, they all began to sound their horns in unison – it was almost deafening; you could feel the low notes reverberating on the wooden deck of 'Sea Stallion'.
The crew meet up with old friends after six weeks at sea
It was a moving moment – fellow sailors saluting the accomplishments of the crew of the Viking ship. Suzanne and Solvej both were very moved and had tears in their eyes as they waved to the thousands of Dubliners lining our route.
Everyone on board was touched by the level of support we met on our way into Dublin – Triona told me 'it's great, we knew that there was a lot of interest in the project, but never dreamed of anything on this scale'. As we approached Custom Quay the sail was lowered for the last time, again by the girls, and everyone took up their oars for the short row to the quayside. Earlier in the day the crew had several practice runs at unpacking and setting the oars, as usually it's a case of getting them out as fast as possible, often with little grace! The practice paid off all went smoothly (and stylishly) in front of the waiting thousands.
The civic welcome at Dublin
As 'Sea Stallion' reached its final destination there were bands playing and the waiting thousands clapped and cheered – it was all very overwhelming sitting onboard 'Sea Stallion'. For the first time in over a millennium a Viking long ship was arriving in Dublin. Glenn looked very moved and said to me 'it's fantastic, I am lost for words. It's a dream come true'. As we moored up Carsten stepped onto the quayside to meet the Mayor of the city and the official delegation, as he shook their hands Kjetl led the Viking crew in a rousing 'viking roar', which has become their trademark salute.
After 45 days at sea we were finally here, it seems an age since we left the museum in Roskilde and for many it was a day of mixed emotions. Hans Jacob reflected 'it's a sad day as we have all grown so close over the past 6 weeks and I will miss them all, but then again I am happy that I can finally go home and sleep in a real bed!' However, the voyage is not quite over yet; tomorrow the crew will travel to Glendalough, the valley nearby from which the ship gets its name, to plant 3 symbolic oak trees - a permanent tribute to the crew's unique achievement.
Even though this is the end of the ship's journey, keep checking these pages as there is more content coming (such as the crew answering questions submitted through the website form).
