Two Irish boats will compete in the Mini Fastnet Race that starts this Sunday (15th June).
Mark O'Connor aboard Mini Skippy with his campaign 'Race for Orbis' and Grainne Costigan on board 'Sea Fever'. The race starts from Douarnenez, France, passes Land's End, and then heads towards the Fastnet Rock off the Cork coast before returning to France. The event spans 600 miles.
This will be O'Connor's fourth time competing in this legendary race. For Costigan, while she has already competed in the Mini Fastnet Race (2024), this will be her first time racing with her own boat!
Mini Fastnet Race - The race starts from Douarnenez, France, passes Land's End, and then heads towards the Fastnet Rock off the Cork coast before returning to France. The event spans 600 miles.
In 2024, due to a very active cold front passing through the Celtic Sea, the fleet was directed south towards Bordeaux instead of the Fastnet. This year, hopes are high that the fleet will round the famous rock, with both Irish skippers looking forward to catching a glimpse of their home country.
To follow the race in real time, you can check out the tracking link here
There will also be live coverage of the start on YouTube beginning at 9am Irish time on Sunday here
