With 10 days to the off, Wicklow is gearing itself up for a bumper weekend of activity both on and off the water as the 2010 Conway Media Round Ireland Yacht Race comes to town on Sunday 20th June. This year will see the 30th renewal of the prestigious event.
With 34 entries so far, race organiser, Dennis Noonan (running his 6th event) is confident there will be close to 40 boats on the start line. The largest boat entered to date is Celtic Spirit of Fastnet, a sturdy 72’ Cruiser/Racer which has been to the Antarctic in the recent past. Just behind them we have a real flying machine, Pride of Dalkey, an IMOCA 60, which will be expected to take line honours.
With boats from France, Netherlands, UK as well as all coasts of Ireland, this promises to be an interesting race. Cavatina has appeared to try and get that elusive 3rd win and failing that, we are guaranteed a new name on the trophy, as it is the only previous winning boat entered.
Local boats are Pride of Wicklow, Noonan Boats Oystercatcher, both flying the WSC burgee and James Tyrrell’s latest Aqualina from Arklow. Major focus will also be on Daft.ie with Mick Liddy and blind sailor Mark Pollock on board their two-hander.
Sailing schools are also featuring with double entries from both Sailing West, Dun Laoghaire, Sailing Logic from the Hamble and a single boat from Conwy Yachting in North Wales.
As before, armchair spectators can follow the Conway Media Round Ireland Yacht Race on our Tracking system, supplied by RORC, through the race website: www.roundirelandyachtrace.ie
To coincide with the launch of the race Wicklow Town will have a huge amount of varied entertainment for families, sailors and more mature visitors through the Round Ireland Sail Fest, taking place from the 18th to the 20th of June. Free entertainment will include The American Drifters, The Garda band, Luan Parle and much more. For further information visit: www.roundirelandsailfest.ie
More on the Round Ireland Yacht Race:
Round Ireland Yacht Race 2010 Review
Round Ireland Yacht Race, Ireland's top offshore fixture
A Round up of 80 stories on the 2010 Round Ireland Yacht Race