Jeanie bade farewell to Blennerville today, when, shortly after the high tide at 4pm, she was towed on her barge to Fenit (pronounced Fee-nit) to complete her fitting out and to undergo her sea trials. Captain Mike Forwood told me that he was really looking forward to the challenge of the voyage as he obligingly posed for me in front of the ship (picture below this log). This time the weather was kind to her, having been calm and fine here in Kerry all week.

    You can also see pictures taken yesterday of the remaining two masts in the shelter, the fore mast and the mizzen mast, waiting to be hoisted into place by cranes and ones of the Jeanie as she looks today, with those remaining masts and full rigging in place.

    President Mary McAleese has issued an open invitation to the people of Kerry to attend the official naming ceremony of the Jeanie Johnston at Fenit Pier on Sunday 7th May, at 4pm. A huge crowd is expected to express the county's pride and affection for the project.