The Safehaven Marine team led by Frank Kowalski on Thunderchild were safely home in Cork Harbour last night with job done, and the Round Ireland & Rockall Record set at 34 hours 01 minute and 47 seconds writes W M Nixon.
This is an average speed of more than 32 knots for a total distance of more than 2000 kilometres which included long stretches of some of the often roughest ocean waters on earth.
Set on an anti-clockwise direction (the way you go is optional), the new record – the first of its kind - is now subject to ratification by Irish Sailing and the Union International Motornautique, the world governing boat for all powerboat activity.
Meanwhile, congratulations to all – the crew, the designers, and the builders in Youghal at the Safehaven plant – together with the essential shore crews who provided logistics support and the re-fuelling facilities for the crew of Frank Kowalski, Ian Brownlee, Ciaran Monks, Mary Power, Peter Gurgul and Carl Randalls. It has been an exemplary project in its planning, testing, preparation and execution.
