We’re getting very close now. It’s just around the corner; this time next weekend, you will hopefully be in Dick Mac’s in Dingle having a refreshing pint!
So how is it looking for the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race (D2D) next week, and what should be occupying the minds of skippers over the weekend?
At this stage, boats should be cleaned and washed above and below the waterline and could probably be set into ‘race mode’ ahead of the start on Wednesday.
Provisioning is probably well underway, and a big lesson is to make sure there is enough water! A minimum of 2.5 litres per person per day! Minimum.
We will be running a weather briefing on Tuesday evening and will be available to answer questions on Wednesday morning, but the long-term forecast is for spinnakers!
The D2D fleet should get the benefit of the tide around Wicklow Head and use this to carry themselves mostly to Tuskar Rock
There is a very dominant high pressure to the North of Ireland that looks set to stay there until next week and into next weekend…. This is giving us downwind conditions all the way to Dingle at present.
With a start time set that would be used for a perfect passage if one was to head south tide-wise, the fleet should get the benefit of the tide around Wicklow Head and use this to carry themselves mostly to Tuskar. The faster boats may stay in this tide all the way to Tuskar in the dying few hours of the southerly flow. Slower boats may unfortunately not make Tuskar and may end up punching into the tide as they approach the lighthouse…. It will be interesting when we run the routings to see if it might even pay to go outside the Tuskar TSS!
Wind-wise, initially, with a lot of change likely to happen in the next few days, the fleet is likely to start in a strong sea breeze out of Dun Laoghaire, and once around Muglins, this could die off. Wind within sight of the land looks good down the Wexford coast, with there likely to be running VMG conditions gybing in and off the coast. Through Wednesday night, look out for a transition with the wind going forward to being on the bean towards Tuskar.
Into Thursday, this easterly wind is likely to stay with slightly more breeze offshore; once again, it will be VMG running conditions in the direction of the Fastnet. There is likely to be some compression off the Fastnet with a bit more breeze in that area but expect the race to be quick along the south coast.
There is likely to be some compression off the Fastnet with a bit more breeze in that area but expect the D2D race to be quick along the south coast
The wind will likely follow the fleet around Baltimore and Goleen, keeping the running VMG theme going!
Unfortunately, early forecasts show little wind off Dingle; still time to win or lose the race here! Keep the concentration up!
As I said, this is a very, very early look at what MIGHT happen, not to be relied on yet!
Make sure to come to the briefing on Tuesday night, where we will discuss this in more detail.
And don’t forget, to save weight, you can drop your bags with us by booking at this link here
