The 53 boat fleet crosses the starting-line off Wicklow Pier on Saturday in fine conditions ahead of their 704 nautical-mile Round Ireland Race. Photograph: David Branigan/Oceansport
The 53 crews contesting the Round Ireland Race are being treated to picture postcard conditions after the first 24 hours of the 704 nautical-mile contest that started on Saturday afternoon at Wicklow.
Large crowds gathered on the piers and headlands to watch the start signalled from the Irish Naval vessel LE Samual Beckett with light winds and blue skies.
The sprint southwards saw Guy Gillon’s Khombu take an early lead on the water, leader the tightly packed fleet close to the shoreline just metres off Wicklow and Wexfords’ pristine white sand beaches.
“We could not have asked for better conditions for a Round Ireland Race start,” commented Race Director for Wicklow Sailing Club Kyran O’Grady. “The bay was filled with sails right beneath the harbour and coastline – perfect grandstands!”
Despite the ‘champagne sailing’ conditions of smooth seas and sparkling sunshine, there was an edge to quiet progress as all the crews were fully aware that the forecast was for the light winds to die off during the night, leaving boats becalmed and drifting in the flood tide.
Several entries reported in to the race office that they had to use their engines to avoid hitting obstacles.
Others were able to anchor to avoid losing ground in the unfavourable tide.
“We had an interesting night; at one point we had to anchor to not lose any ground,” commented Wicklow pro sailor, Pamela Lee who is skipper of #EMPOWHER. “It’s been light winds since the start but it’s very nice as we been going close to the coast… and seeing the beaches and lovely green colours so it was very enjoyable.”
Lee described conditions as beautiful overnight, with the crescent moon giving way to a spectacular sunrise, surrounded by the other boats gliding along together. And dolphins, everywhere.
Not everyone was able to appreciate the conditions though. As smallest boat holding their own, Mick Liddy and Barry O’Connor on Bergins Katanca were provisionally leading the entire race overall. Like the others, they were impacted by the calm and anchored in 56 metres depth.
However, when using their electric windless to recover the anchor, the main fuse blew and without a spare on board, Liddy had make a new one so the pair lost two hours and saw their position slip down the ranks as the other boats crept ahead in the light winds.
After turning the corner at the Tuskar Rock, the bulk of the fleet headed offshore looking for wind except for Khumbu who elected to keep closer than most. After the first 24 hours, the British yacht had only managed to pass Roche’s Point off Cork en route to the famous Fastnet Rock lighthouse but not expected there until after dark.
With overall race decided on IRC corrected time, as conditions stand a smaller entry is likely to be favoured. Currently, Howth entry Outrageous skippered by John Murphy.
For the coming 24 hours, the forecast seems favourable with easterly winds continuing but the risk of calm patches continues. As the fleet converges once again at the south-west corner, the spectacular scenery of the West Cork and Kerry coastlines will start the new week as Monday morning will bring the Atlantic stage of the race to the leaders.