Round Ireland's status raised

The biennial Round Ireland Race has received a boost to its turnout prospects this year following the news from Wicklow Sailing Club that the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) has raised the 704-mile course to the same status as the Fastnet Race.

Against a backdrop of

the economic situation here, results from the Irish event will count for bonus points in the RORC season that in turn is expected to boost entries. The British-based international club has had strong turnouts for

its events over the past number of seasons, including a record fleet of 350 boats for the Rolex Fastnet Race last August.

There is also strong interest from Dún Laoghaire boats, as well as the Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association (ISORA) fleet so event chairman Denis Noonan says he’s optimistic there will be a strong showing for the event that starts on June 24th.

David Branigan, © 2012 The Irish Times – Fri, Jan 13, 2012

© 2012 The Irish Times