Round Ireland underway

47 boats set sail from Wicklow

Following a short postponement to allow gales to abate, the BMW Round Ireland Race started this afternoon with 47 boats from five countries (Ireland, Britain, Netherlands, France and Malta) competing.

The Fáilte Ireland-supported event will take the fastest boats about three days to complete while the smallest boats can be expected to finish before next weekend.

Two boats were obliged to withdraw before the start: Psipsina was unable to complete her delivery passage due to the severe conditions during the week while Converting Machine was unable to finish her preparations for the two-handed class.

The race started at 1800 in bright sunshine but against fresh to strong winds and large seas built by an opposing tide. Crews that opted for an inshore course below the Wicklow Head Lighthouse landmark were battered by large overfalls (pockets of steep waves). The headwind conditions are expected to last another 24 hours at least.

RORC Admiral John Bourke commented: "The BMW Round Ireland Race will be one of the most important offshore yacht races in the world in 2004. Over the last 25 years, it has become one of the classic races and has a particularly strong entry including some of Europe's best known yachts."

More photos on the following pages...