The first of six races in the Viking Marine ISORA Coastal Series has a 13-boat entry for Saturday morning's start for a Dun Laoghaire – Dun Laoghaire race that leaves the Moulditch Buoy off Greystones Harbour in County Wicklow to port.
Download the Sailing Instructions below
Top ISORA performers are entered for the first outing, including former champion Paul O'Higgins's JPK 10.80 Rockabill VI and two big Howth boats, the First 50 Checkmate XX of Dave Cullen and Nigel Biggs plus Robert Rendell's Grand Soleil 44 Samatom.
With an offshore season highlight being the 240-mile Volvo Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race now just 54 days away, crews are making the most of the early season start to racing off the east coast.
As Afloat previously reported, while the Irish coastal races are part of the overall six-race ISORA Viking Marine Coastal Series for the Vincent Farrell Trophy, the first three races – all in April – are also part of a separate mini-series.
The First 44.7, Black Magic Photo: Afloat
With ISORA regulars such as the First 44.7, Black Magic, the First 34.7 Black Velvet, the National Yacht Club Sunfast 3600s Hot Cookie and Searcher, plus Greystones First 34.7 Magic Touch all entered; the first race promises to be a great start to 20223 if they all come to the line.
The latest news on the potent canting keel Opal addition to the Irish offshore fleet is that the Elliott 57 will arrive in Ireland in mid-May.
The course for Saturday is as follows:
- Start at Dun Laoghaire outfall – usual start
- Muglins (S)
- Moulditch Buoy (P)
- East Kisk (P)
- Finish Between the Pier Heads – usual finish
The course for Saturday's first race of ISORA's 2023 Viking Marine Coastal Series off Dun Laoghaire Harbour Courtesy ISORA
Class 2 start at 10.00 and Class 0 and 1 start at 10.30. YB Trackers will be activated at 08.30
