The TransQuadra Race, which has 100 boat entrants with only one from outside France, set sail on July 10th. The first stage of the race will commence at St Nazaire on the Brittany coast to Madeira. It is estimated that it will take 10 days to travel, clocking up 1,200 miles. The second stage, starting 6 months later in January 2012, is 2,400 miles and will take about 20 days to complete. In previous years, the TransQuadra has proved to be a real test of Man, Boat and Equipment.
Michael Murphy and Darren Nicholson are Atlantic bound Photo: Bob Bateman
Both Michael and Darren have never embarked on an adventure of this scale before though they have previously competed in Round Ireland and Fastnest races which are 704 miles and 600 miles respectively. They are excited about this challenge and are encouraging well wishers to donate to their chosen charity - ALONE – on mycharity.ie.
Darren (41) is a Quality Rep for Diageo looking after draught beer quality in West Cork and Kerry, and Michael (55) is an accountant based in Waterford city. Darren is from Dunmore east and moved to Clonakilty in west Cork with work about 12 years ago. Michael is from Cork and living in Waterford city for around 10 years. Darren grew up in Dunmore east and sailing since he was 10. He started in dinghies then moved and competed nationally and internationally in windsurfing and moved on to cruiser racing. Michael has been sailing since he was a teenager and started on Inniscarra reservoir in Cork and has competed nationally and internationally in Dinghys for years.
CEO of ALONE, Séan Moynihan commented; "We are very excited about this race, and we hope Michael and Darren will enjoy competing in it. Michael and Darren's involvement in the race will hopefully generate a greater awareness of the services that we provide for older persons at risk and in turn will really help us to get our message into the community."
The two sailors chose ALONE as their charity in commemoration of Michael's mother who worked with a similar organisation in Cork for 25 years. Established in 1977, ALONE provides a vital befriending service to older people, but also crucially provides affordable permanent and temporary housing for older people in need. The charity provides a high quality and supportive housing service to facilitate and promote independent living. ALONE has over 120 volunteers who offer a befriending service to older people in communities. ALONE does not receive any ongoing state funding, it is through the donations from members of the public that the organisation can carry out its essential activities. The organisation is based in Willie Bermingham Place, a housing project in Kilmainham, Dublin named after the founder of the organisation. You can track Darren and Mike's position relative to the other boats online. The boat name 'Alchimiste' Tracker: www.transquadra.com - and look for the position tab.
