Tourism vessel delivered to Kincasslagh Man Pól MacCongail report by Anne Murray / Photos by E. McGarvey / Marine Times

Pól MacCongail, Kincasslagh, Co. Donegal on the 23rd March took delivery of a new tourism vessel. Pól has named his new boat Caitlin Marie. This new tourism boat is a Vigilante 33 single shaft vessel. It has an overall length of 10m, a waterline length of 8.3m with a 3.73m Beam. The boat has been fitted with a Caterpillar 355. It has a capacity to carry 12 passengers and 2 of a crew.

This venture into the world of angling tourism is being undertaken by a young man who is highly qualified in today's modern technological world. Following second level education he continued his studies at third level college. On obtaining his qualifications, he was then employed at the IBM computer company in Dublin. Pól enjoyed his time in Dublin but missed the sea and life in his native Donegal. He spent eight years with IBM before making the decision to return to his roots. Life has been busy for Pól since returning to Kincasslagh. On opting for a tourism angling business, his first task was to complete a feasibility study for this new business called Saoire Mara which he will operate from his own area, Kincasslagh, Co. Donegal. He received some funding from Udaras Na Gaeltachta for this research. He also researched for the most suited vessel for his business. On seeing the Lyme boats advert in the fishing papers he contacted Richard Timoney their Irish Representative who is based outside Donegal Town to learn more about their boats. At that time Lyme Boats were in the process of designing the first Vigilant 33.

Pól after much deliberations decided that the Vigilante 33 was the best suited to his requirements and also the best value for money. He made a trip over to Somerset, England to visit the Lyme Premises. On the visit, Pól was impressed not only with their operations but also the integrity and hospitality of the management. In October 2006, Pól signed the contract for his new Vigilante 33 with the company's Managing Director Brian Pogson.

Pól did not have any time to relax on returning home. The stringent regulations that were put in place in 2005 meant that he had to complete a number of courses before he would be eligible to take control of a passenger boat. He became a student at the Fisheries College in Greencastle, where he obtained certification for the sea survival course, navigation and sea stability course and the VHF short range course. At Diveology Ltd in Letterkenny he completed the Power Boat 11 and the advanced Power Boat level 111 courses. These qualifications are necessary to skipper a boat which carries 12 or less passengers.

Pól and his family are no strangers to life at sea. His father and brothers are well known to all of the fishing community's. James, his father is the skipper of the pelagic vessel MFV Neptune and his brother Packie is a crew member. Pól always loved the sea despite its dangers and hazards. Over the years during school holidays he assisted his father when he fished for lobsters during the summer months. He did not forget the sea when enjoying all that city life has to offer the youth. During those years in Dublin there was nothing he loved more than to come home at weekends during the summer months and go out on the lobster fishing trips with his father.

All details about Pól's new company Saoire Mara may be accessed on their website at www.saoiremara.com. The Company officially commenced operations on taking delivery of the MV Caitlin Marie and is offering tourist boat trips from Kincasslagh Pier daily. Some of the excursions on offer on board the MV Caithlin Marie include: Sightseeing cruises amid the breathtaking scenery of the rugged Donegal Coastline and secluded Islands where marine wildlife such as birds, seals, dolphins and basking sharks can be seen. For those interested in angling the company offers Sea Angling trips in the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic off the North West Coast. Their Island hopping gives tourists and locals the opportunity to visit and enjoy the timeless culture and tranquillity of the Donegal Gaeltachta islands of Owey, Gola, Arranmore and Tory

Saoire Mara will assist in all the arrangements for customers who wish to spend a holiday with them including accommodation and travel.

The Marine Times wish Pól and his fiancé Kathleen the very best for the future.