#ClipperRace - Howth Yacht Club will welcome Conor O'Byrne for a special talk on his experiences in the Clipper Round the World Race on Wednesday 28 September.

In particular, the watchleader on the Irish entry Derry~Londonderry~Doire will discuss his key role in the successful recovery of a crew member who fell overboard in the Pacific Ocean during the 10th stage of the 2013-14 race on 30 March 2014.

The talk begins at 7.30pm sharp. For more details see the HYC website HERE.

#Clipper - A serving member of An Garda Síochána has launched his bid to compete in the next edition of the Clipper Round-The-World Yacht Race.

Conor O'Byrne, who describes himself as "a keen sailor" with a "burning desire of sailing around the world", has started a blog to record his preparations for and participation in the race, the first leg of which kicks off from England this coming August.

The garda hopes to use his place in the epic voyage to raise awareness for the Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit, but also has more personal reasons in mind for the challenge.

"My reason for undertaking the race and being such a long time away from home and sailing in some of the world's most punishing seas was to hopefully build on my character and to learn more about myself and other people in the most extreme conditions.

"I like to be pushed beyond my comfort zone as I enjoy a challenge."

Follow Conor's preparations for the year-long race - which takes a route via South America, South Africa, Australia, China, the USA, Panama, Canada and Northern Ireland - at his Garda Around The World blog HERE.