Summer visits come to an end as Tall Ship Thalassa sets sail
Thu, August 17, 2017
The Thalassa Tall Ship sailed out of Ballycastle on Friday morning – marking the end of her summer visits this year.
The beautiful vessel, one of the most recognisable sailing boats to dock in Northern Ireland, was here as part of a whiskey tour.
Skippered by Jacob Wam, the Dutch vessel was a striking addition to the moorings at Ballycastle marina.
The week-long sailing and whiskey trip began in Troone in Scotland taking passengers on a tasting tour around the region, including a visit to the world famous distillery in Bushmills.
Before departing from Ballycastle, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE, enjoyed a tour of the vessel and met some of those on board.
Speaking afterwards she said: “The Thalassa is such a beautiful vessel, and my thanks to the Captain and crew members for their very warm welcome. All those I spoke to said their visit to the area had been wonderful, and was certainly among the highlights of their trip. Watching the ship sail away from Ballycastle, in the shadow of Fairhead, with the masts blowing in the wind, was a sight to behold, and we look forward to welcoming her back again next year.”
From Ballycastle, the Thalassa was heading for Campbeltown in Scotland and next month it will attend the Hamburg Cruise Days maritime event in Germany.
Following this, it sets sail for more exotic shores with a six-month voyage to the Caribbean.
