The exotic French Trimaran Veolia Environnement was in Dalkey Sound this morning. The high speed craft circled around the island in modest north westerly winds and returned into Dublin Bay for what appeared to be a helicopter publicity-photoshoot. According to vessel tracking system she got up to 14.8 knots and no doubt more!

Veolia Environnement sails briskly down Dalkey Sound. Photo: Jehan Ashmore

Renowned yachtsman Roland Jourdain will be visiting Ireland next month to show off his new vessel ahead of the Fastnet Race.

A veteran of 60-foot monohulls, Jourdain will be in Dun Laoghaire from 4-5 August to test his new Veolia Environnement MOD70 trimaran, as well as select crews for next year's transatlantic races.

His new MOD70 is the second in a series of 12 that will begin racing next summer when six of the fleet race from New York to Brest in France. But the first test will be at the Fastnet, where he will race the only other MOD70 on the circuit.

The Veolia Environnement MOD70 will be berthed adjacent to the Royal St George Yacht Club for anyone curious to have a peek. For more details on the vessel and on Roland visit www.multionedesign.com and www.canyousea.com.

A large portion of the massive craft was washed ashore on Kailua beach last week forcing island authorities to cut it up and remove it. There was no information about its crew but it was obvious from the state of the hulk, whatever beset it, happened a long time ago.

Beachgoers say the barnacle-covered vessel was an eye-sore and a public safety hazard.

"I thought what on earth is that," said Kailua resident Stephanie Langkamp. "Yeah it's like a UFO it really look from far away something really massive an alien really came to the beach."

And while sailors immediately recognised it was part of an old trimaran, the guessing game never stopped. We're not sure how Ireland has been name as the country of build but we'd be pleased to hear from readers.

Click HERE to see the VIDEO. Nice beach, shame about the trimaran!