Let's Go Sailing A.K. ILEN!

'A.K. ILEN' is one of Ireland's last surviving, traditionally-built wooden ocean-going ships, originally built by The FIshery School in Baltimore, Cork, in 1926 and named after the local Ilen river. Conor O'Brien, regarded as a pioneer in the world of sailing and Ireland's first amateur circumnavigator of the globe, sailed 'ILEN' from Ireland to the Falkland Islands, where she spent the next 70 years as a transport vessel between the islands. Repatriated back to Ireland in 1998, 'ILEN' spent the next 10 years being restored skillfully to her former glory, by descendants of her original builders, in Hegarty's Boatyard, Baltimore. She now plies her trade with Sailing Into Wellness, a sailing charity, providing educational and therapeutic sailing programmes to a wide range of community organisations.
On Saturday 23rd August, her crew invite you to come on board and go sailing around Kinsale Harbour during two designated times. There will be a 'morning sail' and an 'afternoon sail' to allow you experience the thrill and excitement of sailing this historical 'Auxiliary Ketch' ship. For those who would welcome the opportunity to gain some hands-on sailing knowledge, join the crew and 'heave-ho' a halyard to raise ILEN's main and mizzen masts and let the fun begin. For those who would prefer to immerse themselves in the unique setting of the sea, we'll show you a very different 'Net' to surf above the waves or simply sit back and take in the beauty of Kinsale Harbour. Please cross your fingers for sunshine!

Please note adverse weather conditions may hinder this sailing event therefore updates will be posted on social media platforms closer to the event date. Please be aware there is limited capacity on board, so bookings are strictly on a first booked, first served basis. Sailing Into Wellness thank you for your interest in sailing aboard A.K. ILEN.