Round Ireland Race off to brisk start

The biennial Round Ireland Race got off to a brisk start yesterday afternoon before a crowd of more than a 1,000 spectators gathered at Wicklow Sailing Club.

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.