#fullirish – Three days before the start of the Solitaire du Figaro now. I have still got a bit to do, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have been very fortunate to sign two sponsors to my project this week, the Port of Cork and a French company le Comptoir Irlandais.

The Port of Cork is amazing for me as I took my first step afloat in Ireland's greatest stretch of water and its wonderful to have them onboard as I spread my wings abroad. Le Comptoir Irlandais is a fantastic partner and it has come about because of my boat's racing title FULL IRISH. That was a bit of a play on my identity in France, as you can see the boat sports a big tricolor in the mainsail and on the hull. The Comptoir Irlandais is a chain of 46 shops across France that sells everything in the food and clothing department that we do well in Ireland. They have a huge selection of Whiskeys, Irish foods and Irish woolen products. I believe they are the biggest client for Jameson in France. I guess I'm helping the export cause and I can't tell you how amazing this feels to be able to help our country as I compete in this race. Thanks to everyone for their help.

So on to the racing programme. We have a short Prologue race on Saturday to take us from Downtown Bordeaux to a small town called Pauillac half way down the Estuary, a bit like moving the show from Cork City Centre to Crosshaven only much further. This allows us to start Leg One on Sunday a mammoth 536 miles to Porto. So we race down the final 30 miles of the Gironde estuary before heading across the Bay of Biscay to Cape Finisterre and down the West coast of Spain and Portugal to Porto. Weather is looking to be OK for a relatively straight forward passage at the moment although our daily weather and strategy briefings with our brilliant coach Nico Berenger.

Rolling out the new sponsors colours today in Bordeaux. Nice Shamrock! Photo: Brian Carlin

I ordered a new small jib recently which is due to show up today. When that arrives and I've put the food on the boat I'm about ready to go. I'll try and update again tomorrow but it is getting busy. I have to say though, I am fairly relaxed, the most I've ever been before an event. I hope this continues. More soon and thanks for your support.

#SoloArrimer – David Kenefick is racing in 21st position this morning after his first night at sea in the Solo Arrimer race in the Bay of Biscay. It is a 320 mile coastal race that has huge significance for the Royal Cork novice sailor as it is one of only two qualification chances for his goal of participation in the La Solitaire du Figaro race in two months time.

The 22-year-old Crosshaven sailor moved up two places into 20th position as he rounded the Pertuis Antioche Buoy at midnight.

The fleet  headed North for 90 miles through the night to Gouvé Vast Buoy near the Quiberon Peninsula. In building winds the fleet was on a two sail reach, a tough leg.

The testing Solo Arrimer race off Les Sables d'Olonne is against 25 of the world's top solo sailors. Former Irish Figaro solo sailor Paul O'Riain of Dublin commented:  'What a line up of solo sailors, it's the who's who of solo sailing; Le Cleac'h (the Jeckyl), Desjoyeaux (the professor), Elies, Duthil, Lunven, Beyou...Vendee winners, multiple Figaro winners, jesus you picked a good fight David for your first big outing, Love it.. brilliant.'

Kenefick is expected back into the French port of Les Sables d’Olonne in the small hours tomorrow (Sat).

Track David's progress here.