#roundireland – Galway sailor Enda O'Coineen will skipper the Green Dragon in Sunday's Round Ireland Race from Wicklow. The last minute Volvo 70 entry (that is awaiting an IRC handicap cert) has been confirmed by Wicklow Sailing Club and brings the fleet size to 38 boats, just two boats less than the 2010 fleet.
Green Dragon project director Cillian McGovern has confirmed a 16-strong crew for the boat with Irish 49er sailor Ben Lynch, Kiwi professional sailor Alistair Moore and Commodore of the New Zealand Yacht Squadron Ross Masters on board.
The Green Dragon crew get in some last minute training with old salt Mr. Tayto in Dun Laoghaire
An exotic fleet contains not only the 2009 Irish Round the world yacht but also eight double-handers, a number of canting keelers and three Class 40 yachts.
Sunday's start will also include more British than Irish entries, it is the first time the Irish offshore fixture counts for the same points as the Fastnet race in the 2012 Royal Ocean Racing Club programme.
Race organiser Dennis Noonan reports that the defending champion Tonnerre de Breskens from Holland who competed last weekend in Cowes at the British IRC Championships is currenlty on her way to Wicklow. Modifications to the Dutch entry for the 700-mile race include a deeper keel.
A large proportion of entries for the race are due to be inspected in Dun Laoghaire using the convenience of the town marina over the next 48 hours.