Round Ireland Race off to brisk start
Winner of the 2010 event, Piet Vroon’s Tonnerre de Breskens from The Netherlands led the 35 boats fleet southwards towards the Tuskar Rock though only after a congested starting-line created problems for a few boats.
The fresh North-Westerly breeze meant a running start and the ideal route into the shore and out of the flood tide meant the committee boat end of the line was favoured.
As the fleet charged for the optimum position, Ireland’s former Volvo Ocean Race entry Green Dragon managed to squeeze though the melee though gybed Eastwards for clear area despite the disadvantage of the foul tide.
Nevertheless, at 70 feet compared to the other boats, many of which were half its size, with 705-miles remaining to sail most seemed happy to make space for the bigger boat.
A minor collision between Tonnerre and Cracklin’ Rosie saw the British boat take a penalty and restart within minutes of the gun being fired.
Although a light wind forecast for the early part of the week has effectively ruled out hopes of a new course record, the fleet leaders were making good time last night after the tide turned and brought them swiftly past the Tuskar Rock and onto the South coast.
The light breeze could also aid the fleet if the south-easterly direction emerges today as forecast.
However, windier conditions for the North and East coasts later in the week would be needed if Mike Slade’s 2008 record set on the 100-footer ICAP Leopard is to fall this year.
Of all the 35 boats, Green Dragon has the best chance with it’s massive Code Zero sail ideal for light wind conditions that allows the 70-footer to sail faster than breeze at times.
However, the Round Ireland race is decided on IRC handicap corrected time and historically, light winds usually favours the smaller entries leading to speculation that Cavatina of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the 34-year old Granada 38 footer could be in line to win overall.
However, on provisional handicap times listed on www.roundirelandyachtrace.ie last night, France Bernard Guoy on Inis Mor was holding the overall lead while de Vroon’s Tonnerre was in third place.
