Round Ireland Race: Khumbu unable to shake pursuing pack

It has been like this from the outset on Saturday from the starting-line in front of crowds thronging the pier walls along the Black Castle route by the town.

Crowds line the pier and shoreline for the start of the 704 nautical-mile Round Ireland Race where 53 boats from Ireland overseas gathered for the contest that could last up to six days. Pic: David Branigan/Oceansport Repro

A game of snakes and ladders was being played out along the Cork coastline on Sunday as the 53 boats in the Round Ireland Race made slow and steady progress along their 704 nautical mile route.

British entry Khumbu was leading the field but only in the ‘line honours’ stakes, unable to open up clear ground from the pursuing pack.