Headwinds and foul tides on the Irish Sea yesterday performed their typical deciding role in the Round Ireland Race as the main fleet reached the Wicklow finishing line.

A SAILOR on the Irish entry in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which was abandoned after hitting a reef, said she and her crew-mates will be back on a Cork boat by the time the race arrives Ireland this summer.

ONE of the Irish sailors who narrowly escaped disaster after their yacht struck rocks in Indonesian waters during a major worldwide race has spoken of his near-death escape.

A Derry businessman is to skipper a crew of virtual novices in his first attempt at one of the most gruelling challenges at sea, it was revealed today.