With under three weeks to go until the Round Ireland start, a team made up of youth sailors from Wicklow has secured a kernel of financial support that will get them to the start line. The Pride of Wicklow team have proudly announced that the Irish Popcorn Company will be their main sponsor.

The team has charterded a Corby 45 from Windward Sailing in the UK (built in 1998, and won Round UK & Ireland in 2000) and will take delivery of the boat on June 4, two weeks ahead of the race.

A message on the team website says: "With the Irish Popcorn Company onboard we now have the boat on the starting line although further funds are still required. We are heading over to the south of England on the 30th for a weeks intensive training on the boat. The lads are organising a 24 hour sail in Wicklow harbour and are out actively seeking sponsors to raise much needed funds."

The team website is at www.prideofwicklow.com and you can also follow developments on their Twitter and Facebook pages.

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