A smaller than expected fleet of 35 boats will assemble next week in Wicklow for the 30th edition of the Round Ireland race. Despite the size, nearly half that of the record numbers of the 1990s, it is a still a very respectable anniversary fleet. The race has also attracted a new sponsor, local firm Conway Media.
One of the early entries to the double handed division is Mick Liddy and adventurer Mark Pollock in the much hyped Daft.com sponsored class 40 yacht. The entry is generating publicity because one half of the partnership is blind and new to offshore sailing.
As if the race did not present enough obstacles of its own, Pollock will depend on his partner Air Corps pilot Liddy for the entire 700-mile voyage.
But this isn't the first visually impaired sailor into the race, two others precede him. Michael Beggs of Bangor, County Down and Martin McKeaver of Derry confronted tidal races, gale force winds and a rocky lee shore as part of a crew of eight in the 1996 race.
"It probably won't make 40 but 37 boats is highly likely" said Round Ireland Organiser Dennis Noonan tonight. It is the most accurate prediction for a fleet already assembling in Wicklow for the 30th edition of the Round Ireland race. Despite the size, nearly half that of the record numbers of the 1990s, it is a still a very respectable anniversary fleet. The race has also attracted a new sponsor, local firm Conway Media.
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