News

June 23, 2008

http://www.oceansport.ie


ICAP Leopard Leading BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race

Having rounded the Fastnet Rock at 07.30 hrs this morning ICAP Leopard is
leading the BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race as she powers past the Blasket
Islands. Mike Slades superyacht’s quest for the race record is a little
behind schedule as she needs to better 11 knots of boat speed to beat the
record whereas she has averaged just over 9 knots over the first 24 hours.
In second place on the water but in 1st position on handicap is Dutch entry
Formidable 3 skippered by Piet Vroon, closely followed by the other Super 0
boat Lee Overlay Partners. In second place on handicap after Formidable is
Aodhan Fitzgerald sailing Ireland West ahead of previous race winner George
Radley on VSOP. Current holder of the race title Cavatina skippered by two
times winner Eric Lisson is well up the field in ninth place.

Of the 46 entrants in this years BMW Round Ireland only 41 managed to cross
the start line at 12.00 hours yesterday mostly due to damage caused by the
severe weather experienced on the east coast. Since the start three other
boats – Legally Brunette, Inish Mor and Mighty Max – have been forced to
retire from the race.

Mumbo.ie being sailed by Patrick Cronin & John Chambers is first in the Two
Handed class with second and Third places filled by Slingshot and Jalfrezi.
Sailing non-stop for anything from 3 to 9 days in the BMW Round Ireland
Yacht Race is a gruelling and relentless test of endurance and seamanship
for all of this years’ entrants and those who’ve competed in the past but
spare a thought for those brave souls who have entered the Two Handed class.
On a fully crewed boat the off watch sailors enjoy the supreme luxury of a
few hours shut-eye even if in the Spartan conditions of most modern racing
yachts. No such luxury for the two-handers who will be severely stretched
“24/7” for the next three or four days.

With Met Eireann predicting up to gale force 8 conditions on the west and
north coasts everything is still wide open for a record breaking attempt and
an exciting finish to the overall handicap competition.

The GPS Tracking system is up and running for virtually all competitors so
their progress can be followed in real time at:

www.roundirelandyachtrace.ie &lthttp://www.roundirelandyachtrace.ie>