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Conor OBrien sailed around the world 1923 - 1925 in his yacht Saoirse, which he designed himself and had built at the Fishery School in Baltimore, West Cork, Ireland. He was the first person ever to circumnavigate eastwards and south of the Three Great Capes - Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn. For this ground breaking voyage Conor was awarded the Royal Cruising Club Challenge Cup three years running in 1923, 1924 and 1925.
Saoirse was Conor OBrien's 2nd yacht. His first was was Kelpie, in which he ran guns for the Irish Volunteers in 1914, together with Ershine Childers in the Asgard. Kelpie sank off the coast of Scotland in 1921, after which Conor designed Saoirse (see above).
During his circumnavigarion, Conor spent three months in the Falklands / Malvinas. When he returned to Ireland he received a commission to supply a boat for inter-island trading. Conor returned to the Baltimore Fishery School to build Ilen, which he then delivered himself.
From Three Yachts is Conor OBriens memoir of his various voyages on Kelpie, Saoirse and Ilen
About the author
Conor OBrien - Born 1880. His grandfather was William Smith O'Brien of the Young Irelanders of 1848 fame. He was architect and member of the Irish Society of Antiquaries, United Arts Club, Gaelic Revival Movement and an Irish speaker. He was a mountaineer, renowned for climbing in his bare feet. He climbed Mount Snowdon in Wales and Mount Brandon in Ireland with George Mallory, who later died during an attempt on Everest in 1924.
He married renowned artist Kitty Clausen in 1928. They lived on board Saoirse in the Mediterranean, he writing, she painting. Kitty died in 1936. Conor retired to Foynes Island where he continued writing. He died in 1952.
This reprint has been prepared by Vincent Murphy, who has also written the Foreword to the reprint. Vincent has been studying and researching Conor OBrien's life and in this the centenary year of Conor setting out on his circumnavigation, Vincent has been making presentations on Conor OBrien in various Yacht Clubs in Ireland. He has also self published a book on the intriguing and enigmatic life of Michael C Kickham, 1861 - 1909: 'Goodbye Kit - It may be for years and it may be forever'
