Dun Laoghaire-Dingle winner

40footer takes 200 mile race down the Irish coast reports David Branigan

Leading racing skipper Oliver Sheehy was confirmed overall winner of the Pierse Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race this afternoon (Thursday) with his 40-foot entry Tiger from the Royal St. George Yacht Club.

Having completed the 280-mile course in just under 48 hours, a tussle for the overall lead and line honours win saw Ged Pierse's Gallileo take second overall after handicaps were applied.

Sheehy's 40-footer diced with their larger rival for most of the race, swapping the lead as many as eight times during a 30 hour period before eventually ending just minutes behind the line honours winner.

As the day progressed, Henry Hogg's Eliminator from Garrykennedy Sailing Club took third place and while just three boats remain at sea this evening, none is in contention for a top three final placing.

The 19 boat fleet is one of the most representative ever in this middle distance offshore race with entries representing several west coast clubs in addition to regulars from the Dublin and Cork sailing strongholds.