Despite the absence of some top Dublin Bay performers, Saturday's ISORA race ten from Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire will still provide a strong test in the last offshore fixture before the season highlight of the 700-mile Round Ireland Race in a fortnight.
Although originally slated for the race, Howth's First 50 Checkmate XX, Dun Laoghaire ISORA champion Rockabill VI, the First 40.7 Tsunami and the recent winner of the Inistearaght Race, the J122, Aurelia, will all miss this weekend's cross-channel 75-miler.
Happily, however, it still leaves a potent 15-boat fleet, including this season's consistent performer, the JPK1030 Coquine, skippered by Belfast Lough's Alan Hannon. The full entry list is below, now reduced from 19 to 15 starters.
Alan Hannon's JPK1030 Coquine from Belfast Lough Photo: Afloat
Northwest winds up to 20 mph are forecast for all classes starting at 0830 from the Holyhead Sailing Club line, with winds expecting to lighten by the time the fleet reaches the Irish coast.
Also racing from Ireland is race eight winner, the proven all-rounder Ruth skippered by Tom Shanahan of the National Yacht Club.
Tom Shanahan's J109 Ruth Photo: Afloat
From Wales, the winner of race nine, Andrew Hall's J125 Jackknife, as well as the 'new' J122 Mojito will also compete.
Andrew and Sam Hall's J125 Jackknife Photo: Afloat
Saturday's full course is Holyhead - Rockabill - ISORA Dublin Virtual - Dun Laoghaire finish.
