Organisers say over ten thousand people flocked to Wicklow Town this weekend to celebrate the Conway Media Round Ireland Yacht Race, the longest race in the Royal Ocean Racing Club calendar.
With the 2010 race marking the landmark 30th anniversary of the country’s most gruelling sailing challenge, there was a lot of excitement across the country as the yachts set sail from Wicklow Bay today (Sunday 20th June 2010) at noon.
While the splendid weather and 36 yachts setting sail from Wicklow Harbour made for excellent viewing conditions, the light winds could mean the race will take longer than last year.
The fastest yacht completed the 704-mile, non-stop race in less than three days last year; this year race organisers believe it is more likely to be closer to four days.
25% of entrants this year are returning contestants hoping to make history on this milestone occasion. With boats from France, Netherlands, UK as well as from all coasts of Ireland already signed up, Race organiser Denis Noonan, running his sixth event, is confident this promises to be an interesting race.
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