[Child of the 7th Age]

Doug,

Here is the sad tale in HoMe XII, p. 386, that speaks of Cirdan's doom:

It was during the long waiting of the Teleri for the return of the floating isle, upon which the Vanyar and Noldor had been transported over the Great Sea, that Cirdan had turned his thoughts and skills to the making of ships, for he and all the other Teleri became impatient. Nevertheless is is said for love of his kin and allegiance Cirdan was the leader of those who sought longest for Elwe when he was lost and did not come to the shores to depart from Middle-earth. Thus he forfeited the fulfilment of his greatest desire; to see the Blessed Realm and find again there Olwe and his own nearest kin. Alas, he did not reach the shores until nearly all the Teleri of Olwe's following had departed.

Then it is said he stood forlorn looking ou to sea, and it was night, but far away he could see a glimmer of light upon Eressea ere it vanished into the West. Then he cried aloud: "I will follow that light, alone if none will come with me, for the ship that I have been building is almost ready." But even as he said this he received in his heart a message, which he knew to come from the Valar, though in his mind it was remembered as a voice speaking in his own tongue. And the voice warned him not to attempt this peril; for his strength and skill would not be able to build any ship able to dare the winds and waves of the the Great Seas for many long years yet. "Abide now that time, for when it comes then will your work be of utmost worth, and it will be remembered in song for many ages after." "I obey," Cirdan answered, and then it seemed to him that he saw (in a vision maybe) a shape like a white boat, shining above him, that sailed west through the air, and as it dwindled in the distance it looked like a star of so grea a brilliance that it cast a shadow of Cirdan upon the strand where he stood,

As we now perceive this is a foretelling of the ship which after apprenticeship to Cirdan, and ever with his advice and help, Earendil built, and in which at last he reached the shores of Valinor. From that night onwards, Cirdan received foresight touching all matters of importance, beyond the measure of all other Elves upon Middle-earth.

Christopher points out that this passage is unique in that "nothing is said of the history and importance of Cirdan as it apears elsewhere" (i.e., as the boatman of th LotR), but rather only in the context of Earendil's sailing.

Hope this helps.