#rdirl – A father and son duo from Listowel in County Kerry are taking on the double-handed challenge in this year's Round Ireland Yacht Race. The pair Derek Dillon and son Conor, a 19–year–old Univesity of Limerick student, will race the family Dehler 34 'Big Deal' that is based on the Shannon Estuary.
The Foynes Yacht Club pairing have been racing together inshore for over ten years, and have competed at numerous ICRA's, Cork Weeks and Calves Weeks. The pair are sponsored by leading marine supplier, Union Chandlery.
They recently made the move into offshore racing, enjoying recent success in multiple ISORA Qualifying races.
'We look forward to the competitive adventure associated with doing such an endurance race, double- handed', father Derek told Afloat.ie
The pair also plan to compete in the Volvo Cork Week double-handed and compete fully-crewed in Cork Dry Gin Calves Week, in which they have finished first in class in the past two consecutive years.