Inis Mor poised for victory

Breton entry Inis Mor is almost certain to be declared the overall winner of the 704-mile Round Ireland Race this weekend after Bernard Gouy’s team could not be beaten on handicap by the remaining boats still at sea.

Racing for Clifden BC where Gouy has a holiday home, the Ker 39 footer chased last year’s winner, the 46-foot Tonnerre de Breskens around the coast over four days and finished 12 hours behind on Thursday night.

That time was good enough to beat the Dutch team by just 12 minutes after handicap, reversing the 2010 race outcome.

Meanwhile, former Irish Volvo Ocean Race entry Green Dragon won line honours and will be awarded the Denis Doyle trophy for first boat home after reaching Wicklow early on Thursday morning.