However, stay could be short-lived
AFTER one year and over 5,000 kilometres later, Tess, the 24 foot rowing boat that cast Limerickman Sean McGowan into the annals of history as the first Irishman to row the Atlantic, has returned home.
Tess, his boat that took him from La Gomera in the Canaries to Antigua in over 118 days of gruelling rowing, finally rolled into Shannon Rowing club, where it all began.
Earlier this year, Sean won the plaudits of his peers, fellow competitors and the nation when he overcame personal battles during his epic solo voyage.
Now, Tess ends her own solo voyage as the 24 foot vessel was containered back to Southampton on a cargo ship, towed to Exeter in the UK and from there picked up by Sean and trailered home.
“She’s more battered and bruised than I thought – she has had her own tough journey and you forget the damage that is built up over time. In saying that, I’ve spent a few days cleaning her up and now she’s looking pretty good.
“It’s great to get her back. Last September, we first left Limerick together and started our journey and now we are home, even for just a little while”.
Sean was recalling his time at sea and hopes that with the assistance of the City Council, a city centre location can be found for the boat to be displayed where he can tell and show the public what happened during his voyage into the history books.
The Limerick Post has learned that both City Council and Sean are putting the final details to display the boat.
However, Tess will not be in the city for long as Sean explains: “Unfortunately, firm interest has not come from any Irish source, though enquiries have come from abroad. There is a firm offer and it looks like it will go to Germany, but there are two Irish guys looking to row the Atlantic next year and I’d like to give them an opportunity to take her.
“There’s a lot of history in that boat and at the moment it’s parked outside my drive and my neighbours are looking at it and thinking it was so small to row in. It’s great to talk to them about it.
“That interest makes me keen to bring the boat to some more schools.”
The Atlantic rower has settled back into family life and now has focused his mind on other interests, but is always keen for a challenge.
“You never know what might be ahead, but for now, I’ve a few business plans and ideas to focus on”.
Schools interested in hearing Sean’s story over the coming weeks should contact him at [email protected].
