Conditions set to improve as serious racing action begins at Volvo Cork Week

High winds might have forced the cancellation of yesterday’s practice race, but the forecast for this morning’s official start to Volvo Cork Week is promising and the weather is predicted to steadily improve as the series progresses.

Breezy conditions will give the 13-strong entry in the Beaufort Cup a challenging passage, westwards, to the Fastnet Rock, when the event begins off Haulbowline, at 10am today.

Because of upwind for 65 miles, the teams will probably sail a third longer, so the leaders may only reach the famous lighthouse, off West Cork, at around sunset tonight.