Friday the 13th fears fail to keep cardboard boat in dock

WHO would choose to take to the water on Friday the Thirteenth in - of all transports - a cardboard boat? Our intrepid quartet didn’t look or talk crazy yesterday as they rowed up the Liffey in the unusual craft, a freshening easterly astern.

Undaunted by superstition, the Phileas Fogg Four were taking part in Day 12 of the historic Around the World in 80 Ways adventure, a 21st century retelling of the Jules Verne novel. It’s being done to raise money for the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, which assists profoundly disabled children.

“Don’t lean too much against the cardboard in the back,” cautioned Belfast-born Robin Dunseath, originator of the idea to circumnavigate the globe, as the Aisling moved off from Custom House Quay for a 10-minute voyage to O’Connell Bridge.