Two of the country's biggest cruiser associations are leading the support for this year's Round Ireland race in an effort to make the 30th anniversary edition, a circumnavigation to remember. The Irish Cruiser Racer Association is to present a new trophy as part of the overall awards for Ireland's classic offshore race next June. The decision to present the new prize follows a request by Wicklow Sailing Club Commodore made on Afloat.ie this month for ICRA to become more involved in the running of the biennial Round Ireland Race. The 30th outing of the offshore race from the East coast port gets under way next June 20th. Wicklow Commodore Charlie Kavanagh officially launches the race at Wicklow Gaol next Thursday, December 3rd.
The new ICRA trophy is to be for ICRA boats up to 40 foot. Barry Rose announced the move at last week's ICRA conference.
There will be three ISORA offshore races before this year's Round Ireland race, an initiative aimed at driving numbers up for the fixutre but also at encouraging boats out of Dublin Bay to try offshore sailing. There is a minimum of 75 miles to qualify for Round Ireland criteria.
To mark the 30th race Afloat.ie are looking for participants from the first race 15 years ago to contribute to the Round Ireland forum with any stories, anecdotes and photos for our planned Summer feature.
More Round ireland 2010 posts here:
http://www.afloat.ie/forum/2-general-chat/1177-round-ireland-2010/
http://www.afloat.ie/forum/25-icra-forum/1619-7th-annual-conference/#1628
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