Tall Ships draws all sorts from all over

THREE Argentine women are to travel almost 11,000 kilometres (as the crow flies) to be in Waterford for the start of the Tall Ships Races and will set sail on the massive Russian tall ship, Mir, from Ireland to Cherbourg-Octeville in France on July 9.

The three first-time visitors to Ireland - Luisa Miguens, Zara Gallegos and Maria Bello - are far from professionals but have some experience of such trips, having sailed at different times with the Argentine Navy and on a French three-masted barque.

The outing will be not just an adventure but a special voyage of healing for 58-year-old Luisa, who was widowed in December.