Our Irish Visitor Arrives Back Home

Many people claim to have predicted the global recession, but not many decided to sell up and leave the country until the worst was over.

Businessman Marcus Seigne said he saw the writing on the wall in 2006 and decided to sell his IT businesses and take to the seas until things calmed down here.

The solo yachtsman spent the past four years sailing around the world and arrived back in Dublin last week, having circumnavigated the globe and visited 12 countries. During that time he was hit by lightning and survived numerous storms, mechanical failures and bureaucratic mix-ups.

The 47-year-old solo yachtsman from Wicklow conducted the feat in his boat 'Fuller Spirit', a Beneteau Oceanis 411. He began the voyage in July, 2006, having sold his businesses and other assets.

"I said I am going to take a one year break because this whole country has turned to a new religion... money".

"We all lost our heads and I did not like it and the writing was on the wall saying that we were in big trouble" he said.

So after 101 days and approx 27,500km at sea during his final voyage from Sandringham, Marcus completed his global trip and arrived safely back home.

He did however had to stop in New Zealand for more maintaince and repairs before passing under Cape Horn in the Southern Ocean and then head north up the Atlantic across the equator, and head to Dublin.

"The boat has as usual been bashed and battered along the way, but with mast climbing activities and various other maintaince issues the boat held strong and got me to Ireland safely" Marcus said.

On arrival, Marcus insisted they lift the toll bridge into Dublin, as he sailed up the River Liffey into the centre of Dublin on Tuesday 8th June. He said it was crucial for him to sail directly to the nearest pub for a pint of Guinness.

"Many friends joined me for pints the day I arrived and I had a major enjoyable hooley. I think I am just slightly recovering now from the celebrations. The Irish Times did a piece as they were at the toll bridge on my arrival, and the 'newstalk radio' had me talking briefly this morning. The main message here is - we are down (economic crisis), and the only place we can go from here is up."

He now has 'Fuller Spirit' parked up in the Canal basin 10 meters from the door of the 'Ocean Bar' for maximum convenience, but will be moving in the next few days to Dunlaoire Harbour.