Weather forecast models are now showing a quick Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race, according to some of the top race navigators and tacticians in the 280-miler this morning.
As Afloat reported earlier, there will be a beat to Tuskar on Ireland's southeast corner after this afternoon's start at 2 pm.
There is a consensus that bigger boats in the 38-boat fleet are expected to make Wicklow Head before the tide changes.
It is likely the smaller boats won't and will have to beat around Wicklow Head then beat down close to the coast against the tide for the next six hours inside banks, then out to the Tuskar, according to Mark Mansfield, a sailing pro from Quantum Sails on board John O'Gorman's Sunfast 3600, Hot Cookie for the race.
Wind forecasts are showing SSW after Tuskar Rock which will allow boats to fetch on port along the coast in medium winds, with maybe a short tack.
The bigger boats are expected to round the Fastnet Rock off County Cork about 8 or 9 pm. It will then be a fast reach on the last leg to Dingle with the first boats expected very early on Friday morning, maybe about 2 am or 3 am.
Some weather models are now showing it getting lighter through later Friday morning.
All in all, there is agreement on the morning of departure that the first leg to the Tuskar will be the key period.
Those skippers that drive the boat hard with most crew on the rail for long periods will do well, according to one skipper.