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Captains Blog

Tonnerre de Breskens 3 - winner of the 2010 Conway Media Round Ireland

Photos of Tonnerre and crew by David Branigan/Oceansport

• 28/6/10 1800 DST - Mick Connolly, our webmaster, informs us that our race site had over 196,000 pageviews, more than twice the number from 2008. Thank you fans. For some clips of the race, check out You Tube under Round Ireland Yacht Race.

• 28/6/10 1200 DST - As the song says, "Its all over now" - Yahtzee got home finally 47 mins. short of 7 days after setting off to bring proceedings for the 2010 Conway Media Round Ireland to a close. It was a huge success, both on and off the water, and we expect the word will go out as an advertisement for the next edition in 2012. Both our Wicklow boats did superbly well, especially the 2 Bri(y)ans on Noonan Boats Oystercatcher - 10th overall, 1st in Classes 3 and 4 and 2nd in the two-handed Class 7, against some very experienced campaigners. Pride of Wicklow came 9th overall and 3rd in Class 0, behind the 1st and 2nd boats overall - another fantastic performance. The two boats with Aqualina also came 2nd in the team prize, leaving some notable scalps in their wake - all round, it has to be said, didn't they do well. Check out the Official results here. It was nice to get compliments on the Captains Blog also - this from Dermot Desmond -

  "Hi Charlie, I mail to congratulate you heartily for the wonderful success of the Conway Media Round Ireland'10. The entire organisation was wonderful and testament to terrific commitment from all  on board. Thanks especially for the Captain's Blog - such an entertaining and informative 'cyber grab' of the action at all hours of day and night. I have printed my copy and it will make great winter reading and a wonderful souvenir of a brilliant event. I wish you and your Committee continued success in your endeavours. Best Regards, Dermot"

  Going back to my  trials and tribulations on Live Skipper, my virtual boat Secsie was left to its own devices for the last 2 days while I was away in Enniscorthy and found its way up above the Faroes - checking out Brian Kerr, no doubt. Thanks again to everyone who helped in any way and I'm delighted so many people enjoyed the race tracker and our blog.

• 26/6/10 1450 DST - What a change in wind conditions - from spending 2 days watching boats drift slowly slowly to the finish, today the breeze has stiffened and we have had some great match races down the bay, none more exciting than our own Noonan Boats Oystercatcher against the much bigger and fully crewed Lancastrian - our 2 lads beat them home by 4 minutes. It looks like they are going to be 10th overall, behind Pride of Wicklow. The compliments are flying in from all quarters and crews are resolving to be here again in 2 years time - looking forward to see you all again. I believe Yahtzee have had to drop a crew member off at Carlingford for compassionate reasons. I will be off air for 24 hours, so I wish the last 4 boats fair sailing to Wicklow and thanks again to all our loyal fans..

• 26/6/10 1015 DST - Just finished Team Windmill, the leading boat of the sailathon - Persistance is hard on his heels and with a freshening breeze and falling tide, the next few hours will be busy with most of the remaining fleet. Our tracker system seems to have developed glitch and is not presently updating the finishing positions - all you anxious fans, don't panic, we'll let you know how your loved ones are doing as soon as we can resolve the problem. Theo is getting greyer by the minute trying to sort it out. Just had another blog fan up to say how much he's enjoyed the updates (the fact he is also from Enniscorthy is immaterial) - praise never goes astray!

• 26/6/10 0130 DST - Just woken up from my latest off watch - feels like I'm doing the race the way I'm catching zzzzzzzz's in bits and pieces. Another 4 boats about to finish in the next hour before a gap in expected finishers to after daybreak, just when my next duty roster in the office kicks in. A few trackers seem to be off at present so I'm not sure of all current placings, but it looks like Pride of Wicklow are either going to be 8th or 9th overall - a superb performance. Noonan Boats are tucked in nicely with the next sailathon of c.10 boats up in Dundalk Bay and with a bit of luck, will be in around midday - another big cheer will be expected for their arrival. I have to put in a plug for our new webmaster, Mick Connolly, who has rebuilt our race website and keeps everything working for us. I also got my virtual boat Secsie on Live Skipper off the rocks at Cape Clear Is, many thanks to Ard, and am taking her home the long way round, might as well finish what I started.

• 25/6/10 1930 DST - I've just spotted that two of the double handers - Psipsina and Dinah are heading inshore to dodge the tide as they approach the Co Wicklow coastline. Both of them are competing for the honours in that class, with the former having the advantage both on the water and on handicap - will it stay like that over the next 3 or 4 hours? - watch this space! Up ahead of them, regular participant, Gallileo, is the next boat due home - within 2 hours, wind and tide permitting.

• 25/6/10 1840 DST - Its official, all the remaining boats are now on the east coast, with two main sailathons - one off Dublin and the other off the general Belfast area and Yahtzee and Spindrift doing sweeper at the rear. Being the owner of a sailing school myself www.sailsoutheast.com, which has been out of action for various reasons recently, I am thrilled that we have 5 sailing school boats doing this race and Sailing Logics 2 boats have had a most enjoyable experience, including Puma winning Class 1 - thanks to Allie Smith for all the updates. This experience might encourage more schools to put the race on their plans for 2012 and further boost the numbers partaking in this wonderful event. Our Club Secretary, Chris, is on Cheetah Cub, the only Reflex 38 non-school boat, presently off Rockabill and looking at dying winds - sound familiar? Start blowing folks so they all get home before Monday (perish the thought)! The Wicklow boys on Noonan Boats Oystercatcher (yes, it is sponsored by Dennis' nephew Graeme) are now off Mew Island and are doing well - lets hope they have enough food and water to get them home - Jaguar Logic are eating the kitchen roll on their boat.

• 25/6/10 1300 DST - 5 days and one hour later, we have 9 boats home, a mere 27 still to finish. Tonnere de Breskens 3 can now be declared the winner as no boat still on the water can overtake their lead now. Daft.com crossed the line splitting Aquelina and Bejasus just after 1000hrs to a huge roar from the assembled crews and spectators on shore. Speaking to Mick Liddy and Mark Pollack afterwards, it turns out Mick drove the boat for the last three days after their electrics failed while Mark did all the sail trimming and sail changes - who said being blind was a handicap. What a fantastic pair of sailors. The next bunch of boats are approaching and it looks like the first one could be in Wicklow this evening, with possibly 20 + expected up to lunchtime Saturday. Our wonder women Kerrie and Orlagh will be flat out keeping them watered and fed. WSC is blessed with a great team who make it all work and help in no small way to keep our sailors returning race after race.

• 25/6/10 0720 DST - Pride of Wicklow finally made it across the line at 0551 DST to a tumultuous roar from all their family and friends and the crew from Fujitsu. The crew came ashore to an emotional welcome and the smiles on their faces were a mile wide as the hugs and kisses were dispensed. Another of their arch rivals, Visit Malta Puma, made it across the line at 0635, with about 30 minutes in hand over regular fellow RORC duellists Fujitsu for a hard fought win in class 1. An encouraging aspect of the 2010 version has been the number of RORC regular competitors that entered this year, with 3 of the top 4 places from their ranks.

• 25/6/10 0520 DST - I was quoted in the Irish Independent that "the light airs might make it look like paint dry" and having waited for 2 hours for Fujitsu to finish (0450 DST) after their 30 minute warning call , we now have the same situation with our own local boat, Pride of Wicklow, with all the supporters waiting patiently as they inch across the tide. There is a beautiful sunrise out here and Friday morning has dawned into a fabulous morning. It might be another while before they make it to the line - just past the outfall mark now but the water is like glass out there.

• 25/6/10 0015 DST - Happy 80th Birthday Mum. Just checked in from my off watch to see where the boys on Pride of Wicklow are - still off the Dublin area but now making a respectable 6 knots with tide under them in close order with constant companions Fujitsu and Visit Malta Puma - should see them in Wicklow for 3 am unless the wind drops further. Behind them just off Strangford Lough, there is a large bunch of 10 boats within a few miles of each other - an amazing spectacle after 4.5 days of racing around this little island of ours and another large group a little more spread out just off Rathlin. The tailenders, Yahtzee and Spindrift, are keeping each other company east of Tory Island but moving slowly - late Saturday or early Sunday for those precious pints if no appreciable wind shifts occur. Its safe to say that Tonnerre de Breskens 3 cannot now be overhauled and will be declared the 2010 winner of Conway Media Round Ireland in the morning. Noonan Boats Oystercatcher are now up to 11th place provisionally, a great performance by the two young Brian/Bryans from WSC. Its 3 down, with 32 still to make it home. Back to the scratcher for another few hours zzzzzzzz's. Any comments would be welcome on info@wicklowsailingclub.com

• 24/6/10 1815 DST - Provisionally, it is almost certain that the 2010 winner of the Conway Media Round Ireland Yacht Race will be Tonnerre de Breskens 3, having sailed an almost flawless tactical race and then had the good fortune for the wind to die behind them on their main rivals. It is mathematically possible for one or two boats to still do it, but with almost no wind and well over 100 NM still to make up, it ain't gonna happen. With Inis Mor visible to the race office, our next finish should be in the next hour or so. After that, about 6 boats, including Pride of Wicklow, are approaching Rockabill and should finish in the early hours of the morning - there should be a good reception as all the local supporters will be out in force to welcome home the young WSC sailors. Tide and light headwinds will slow them up but regardless of the exhaustion, the long battle with their sailing neighbours will be bantered about in the bar for several hours no doubt, as the boats finish. Loads of new friends will be made and the spirit of the Round Ireland will be fostered in a new generation of Wicklow sailors. See Logics latest update.

• 24/6/10 1400 DST - Well the time for Inis Mor to beat Tonnerre is almost up and with them creeping along by North Co Dublin, thats one less for the leaders in the clubhouse to worry about. As this news has already been disseminated on other media, I can tell you that Daft.com are without electrics for the last 2 days and therefore without talking instruments for blind sailor Mark Pollock, leaving virtually all the sailing and steering to Mick Liddy - an awesome burden in terms of concentration for him. All our best wishes are with them as they try to keep the boat moving in light airs and everyone is rooting for them. Getting safely to Wicklow is now a major challenge for them both, as exhaustion is their no. 1 enemy now. A word of caution - don't write Cavatina off just yet - they have less than 24 hours to achieve it and need that magical wind to blow -unlikely, but its never over until the fat lady sings!

• 24/6/10 1220 DST -  Inis Mor is now close to Rockabill but needs to get his skates on to have any chance of overhauling our first boat home on handicap. We only have two boats left out off the NW coast now, with all the rest between Tory Island and Wicklow. A tight bunch of 5 boats are c.10 miles apart off the Down coastline are being led by Pride of Wicklow and we could see them home sometime around late evening, early morning. The old warhorse, Cavatina, is now up to 6th place on corrected time provisionally and if (a big IF) a decent wind were to materialise, you never know - he could do it. Presently, they are approaching the North Channel and due to get a fair tide under them - will their wind gods come out for them? Just as an aside, the virtual race on Live Skipper finished at 0555 DST, almost 2 hours after Tonnerre in the real race - (thanks to Ard, skipper of the winning virtual boat for the info and updates).

• 24/6/10 0935 DST - At long last, Rosslare crossed at 0855, to a great cheer from the crew of Tonnere, having struggled in light airs to cheat the tide. Due to their deep draft, they can only afford to stay alongside for a few hours before departing. Those same light winds are holding back the following boats with the next boat not due for at least 8 hours. Its like watching paint dry here in the office - time for a break from the Round Ireland for a few hours. There has been a bit of a seismic shift in the provisional placings of the Wicklow boats - Noonan Boats Oystercatcher have now moved up to 19th place corrected while Pride of Wicklow have dropped down to 21st place. Tides and fickle winds are the main culprits.

• 24/6/10 0640 DST - Pride of Rosslare Europort is now visible from the Race office and likely to finish in the next 90 mins or so. Tide is flooding against them and wind is almost calm so progress is slow to the finish. Back in the fleet, no other boat has left Northern Ireland yet and Inis Mor needs to finish by 1413 today to beat Tonnere.

• 24/6/10 0435 DST - We have a finisher and very likely our overall winner - having sailed a near perfect race on all coasts and leading all the way round despite having a bigger and theoretically faster boat in the fleet, Tonnere de Breskens 3, crossed the line at 040350 DST to a rousing cheer of early morning well wishers including the owners son, Carlo Vroon.

• 24/6/10 0300 DST - Mornin' Folks. Looks like we will have Tonnere de Breskens 3 in Wicklow in the next hour or so - c.5.5NM off Greystones at present. Day should be close to breaking as they arrive. They are now top of the provisional leader board with closest challenger Inis Mor in light airs off Co Down. Could TdeB3 be our winner - get down for the finish and cheer them home.

• 24/6/10 0015 DST - So much for my off watch - got a message to say the blog was crashing due to a photo of St Johns Point Lighthouse overloading it, so here I am again! Good news - we have already surpassed our 2008 pageviews by c.45,000 (now at 134,000) and the first boat isn't even home yet. Tonnere is moving again and if he can make progress over the tide when it turns around 3am, we hope to see him into Wicklow c.6am.

• 23/6/10 2130 DST - Just had to have a quick look through sleepy eyes - addictive, isn't it? On the provisional leader board, Inis Mor is now just ahead of Visit Malta Puma, a new serious threat, with TdeB3 dropping to third - the tide gate is obviously playing tricks behind them and the light airs in Dundalk Bay are not helping. All 4 leading boats are non-Irish flagged - French, UK, Dutch and UK with Aqualina (5), from Arklow, Co Wicklow, the leading Paddy wagon on handicap! Psipsina (7) is leading the 2 handers with Daft.com (20) now just ahead of another Wicklow entry, Noonans Oystercatcher (22) in the provisional rankings. Class 3 race specialist, Cavatina (13) is hanging on gamely but has a doughty 2 hander Alchimiste (8) ahead in the rankings. There are 5 boats all within a few miles of each other, the chasing group behind the 3 leaders, led by Pride of Wicklow (10) just off Fair Head (NE corner of Ireland) but battling the tide. When will we see the first boat home? Tonnere is about 17Nm NNE of Rockabill making c.6 knots, so its looking more like 6am for their arrival in Wicklow, with very light airs inshore and a fresher breeze in the middle of the Irish Sea - guess where the leaders are headed! There seems to be a problem with Pride of Rosslare Euroports' tracker - it is showing no distance to Wicklow. I've just checked the virtual game Live Skipper to see the leaders are all close to Tonneres position on the water! - the designers mustn't have a tide module for Irish offshore sailing conditions.

• 23/6/10 1810 DST - A quick update before getting some shuteye for my night shift on Race Office duty . Tonnere is now about 80NM from Wicklow passing St Johns Point Lighthouse and still likely to finish between midnight and 6am - just hope I wake up in time! (maybe somebody will phone me when they are off Dalkey!!). Unless a miracle happens, they will be first boat home as the bigger and "faster" Rosslare Europort don't seem to like light air headwinds. Those same light airs look like killing off any chance of a boat from the sailathon back on the West coast stealing the overall honours on handicap from either Inis Mor or Tonnere de Breskens 3 - one of whom is now raging hot favourite to be the eventual winner. We are delighted with all the coverage our friends in the media and on the airways are giving the event - a special word of thanks for the great coverage by David Branigan in the Examiner.

• 23/6/10 1500 DST - We have our first retiral from the 2010 Conway Media Round Ireland Yacht Race. Due to a broken spinnaker pole on their genoa, Celtic Spirit of Fastnet have been forced to retire as they are unable to sail effectively downwind. Owner Michael Holland tells us his crew member, Joe, had a very lucky escape as the broken pole flew across deck and knocked him down - fortunately it was just a glancing blow and the only damage was a torn jacket. All is not lost - they are closeby Inishboffin and know a nice deep hole to anchor in to enable them drown their sorrows. Up front, the 2 leading boats are past Belfast with 7 more spread across the north coast, with the sailathon on the west coast ranging from Slyne Head to Bloody Foreland. Inis Mor provisionally leads overall and in Class 0, Visit Malta Puma in C1, Psipsina in C2 & C7 and another two-hander Alchimiste leads C3.

• 23/6/10 1235 DST - Back in front of my laptop and its interesting to see the chopping and changing thats been going on through the fleet since Tuesday evening. Inis Mor is still leading on handicap, Pride of Wicklow has dropped down a little but Noonan Boats have shot up to 25th from almost last yesterday. The tides at Rathlin are going to play a big part now with the lighter airs which looks likely to give Inis Mor a big boost and possibly hold up the pack chasing them. The good news for the leading boats is that the airs are light also on the Atlantic coast so no great advantage can be gained out there for now. Just to mention our young sailors on Pride of Wicklow - this is the first real offshore event for most of them but there is a serious competitive edge in that group - several of them are double All Ireland Rugby winners at both under 16 and under 18 level. Everyone in Wicklow is proud of both of our crews out there. The light airs are going to slow down the frontrunners so it might be in daylight on Thursday before one of them makes the finish line - Tonnere de Breskens 3 is still favourite to do it. Visit Malta Puma would like you all to know their loo is working and the bucket has been stowed again! The trailing boats are now half way, with Yahtzee and Spindrift in line with Galway and Wicklow. Todays' Wicklow People has 3 pages of photos from the Race start and Sail Fest - a nice souvenir for returning crews to take home.

• 23/6/10 0930 DST - Apologies to all my followers, I was on a farming outpost in Enniscorthy with no world wide web available to me so I received a report from Theo Phelan by phone on the leaders - Tonnere and Rosslare were dicing for the lead off the Maidens (near Larne) with their French neighbours on Inis Mor behind in hot pursuit but leading again on handicap (must've been trying to make up for the disgraceful performance of their footballers in South Africa - Irish hearts are bleeding!!!). David O Brien has some more inside information on current affairs on his Afloat.ie website forums
• 22/6/10 1745 DST - Pride of Wicklow, now 4th on the water, have made a break from their tight little pack and already have opened a 15NM lead on team mate Aqualina - they must have been sick of the sight of each other for the last 2 days! They are in a chase now for Inis Mor ahead of them before the wind drops but Tonnere at the front seems to have opened up a massive lead that only a foul tide can upset - still a possibility. The fleet looks like a sort of daisy chain up the west coast - must be very exciting today for all the crews with decent wind at last. Check out our gallery from the weekend.

• 22/6/10 1500 DST - We never tire of nice words - David O Brien of Afloat, who is also monitoring the race - highlighted this nice submission from Claire in Cork. Thanks for a wonderful compliment.

• 22/6/10 1430 DST - Tonnere is blasting up towards Tory Is, still leading overall, and not giving away any of his valuable lead to the bigger and theoretically faster Pride of Rosslare Europort - the bets are starting to come in for when the first boat will be home and which will it be?. Frank Murphy reckons on Thursday evening but your blogger has the champagne on ice for early Thursday - who'll be right? Are there any interesting tales from the fleet - check out Visit Malta Puma's blog for their longest day! All the boats have left Fastnet astern now and in the two handed class, Psipsina has knocked Daft.com off its pedestal, with Alchimiste also squeezing into 2nd place provisionally, while local boat Noonan Boats has moved off the bottom of the ladder, now 6th in class 7 and 7th in class 3 - well done guys. Alchimiste is leading class 3, with Cavatina topping Classes 4 and 5 and Persistence leading the way in Class 6. Celtic Spirit are obviously getting some wind and are making better progress at last. Aqualina has rejoined his buddies to continue the match racing with 4 boats tightly grouped off the Mayo coast just behind Inis Mor. With a nice SSW Force 4, all the boats are probably flying maximum sail area - spinnakers or asymmetricals - to get the best out of the breeze and make for a fun sleigh ride up the West coast. All eyes in Wicklow are still focussed on the Pride of Wicklow as they battle it out in their mini fleet of 4 very well matched competitors - will someone take another leap of faith and jump out onto a different option and hope for better wind away from their "shadows"?

• 22/6/10 1100 DST - Have a look at the provisional listings as of 0930 DST. From the stats, the first eight positions on corrected time come from the top 12 or so (not in that order) on the water. Pride of Rosslare Europort is finally beginning to catch long time leader (on the water and handicap) Tonnere de Breskens 3 and might be ahead before they pass Tory Island. The tide gate off Rathlin Island will be crucial - if the big boats get a favourable tide, it will leave their pursuers very frustrated - but if the opposite happens, then the tables will be turned - watch this space. Only a few more stragglers to round the the Fastnet and then we will have the entire fleet on the west coast. The 2 leading Co Wicklow boats are now on different tactics with Aqualina gone out into the Atlantic looking for wind, while the Pride of Wicklow is still match racing further inshore. Dennis, Evelyn and Jacky Noonan are together in the office keeping an eye on proceedings - all well on command ship Conway Media Round Ireland 2010 so far - all runners and riders still on the course.

• 22/6/10 0830 DST - Oh what a beautiful morning! Rose has just departed the Race Office after doing the overnight shift and Theo is updating all the stats. I've a major Round Ireland disaster to report - my virtual boat Secsie on Liveskipper.com came to grief on Cape Clear Island overnight - I mustn't have allowed sufficient scope for leeway as I slept - check out their blog. On the real race, Tonnere de Breskens is holding on to his lead, closeby Slyne Head, well inshore of his nearest rival Rosslare Europort, who realistically should be well ahead due to his high handicap. Back at the Fastnet Rock, 15 of the 37 boats still have to report in and it seems the long promised strong winds for Tuesday are not going to materialise according to the latest forecast, to add further misery to them. Overall, Tonnere leads provisionally, with Inis Mor and Visit Malta Puma close on their heels. Psipsina has got ahead of Daft.com on handicap and a real race is on now in the 2 handers. Jacky has just come aboard with coffees to perk us up - what a wonderful Race staff we have.

• 21/6/10 2300 DST - The longest day is drawing to a close and there are 8 boats around Fastnet, with Tonnere de Breskens 3 approaching the 3rd check in point at Inish Tearacht. Watching progress in the race office, a solid corps of WSC heads consisting of Peter Shearer, Richard Nairn, Frank Murphy, Paul and Gary Sinnott and the blogger. Word has it a mature crew consisting of some of these august gentlemen intend doing the 2012 version. On the Live Skipper virtual race, your blogger has risen from 505th place this time last night to 336th place tonight - despite starting 6 hours late due to Round Ireland race duties - follow secsie.

• 21/6/10 2000 DST - Just to let our spectators know - the Fastnet Rock is incorrectly placed on the Tracker - it is actually c.12NM NE of that position at 51* 23'.35N 009* 36'.19W. Tonnere passed it over an hour ago and Inis Mor is slightly ahead of Rosslare in the race to be second around. Pride of Wicklow is in a tight bunch of 5 boats just behind the 3 front runners. Noonan Boats is nicely placed now at the tail of a big group of boats and is well in touch with the sailathon. Poor old Celtic Spirits prayers for wind haven't been answered as they bring up the rear - not easy being the biggest boat in a light wind race. Very few boats at the leading end have posted speeds of greater than 10 knots, so the light airs are making for serious tactical racing throughout the fleet.

• 21/6/10 1820 DST - David O Brien of Afloat magazine would like to remind all our spectators that his website is also keeping tabs on the Race - http://www.afloat.ie/round-ireland-2010/

• 21/6/10 1800 DST - Tonnere de Breskens is less than 2 hours from the Fastnet Rock and is opening up a valuable lead on his pursuers on the water, the nearest of whom is 16NM astern. On handicap, Visit Malta Puma is coming into the reckoning big time and have posted us some on board information. Closeby, Pride of Wicklow and Aqualina are match racing with them and this could go all the way to line in Wicklow. Behind, Bejayus and Psipsina have broken away from the sailathon and are trying valiantly to catch up with the eight leading boats.

• 21/6/10 1340 DST - Thanks again to our armchair sailors - since the first boats arrived in Wicklow on Sat 12th June, we have had over 53,000 page views and on Race Day 20th June, 21,000 of you visited our site. Conway Media and Wicklow Sailing Club are delighted that so many people find our event so interesting.

• 21/6/10 1315 DST - We have our first update on corrected times and 2 boats dominate the listings as the fleet heads for the Fastnet. Inis Mor leads the fleet overall and IRC 1, with the course specialist, Eric Lisson on Cavatina leading in 3 classes IRC 3,4 & 5. There is little surprise that Daft.com are leading the 2 handers, with Lulu Belle leading IRC 2 and Persistance leading IRC 6. Eight yachts, including Pride of Wicklow, have opened a lead on the rest of the field and with fresher winds expected within the next 24 hours, all of these might be hard caught.

• 21/6/110 1100 DST - In the leading third of the fleet on the water, there are 3 double handers, with Daft.com, a 40' boat, just astern of Rosslare Europort, a 60' flying machine and fully crewed - if this pattern persists, the 2010 version of the race might see a major headline - "Two Hander wins 2010 Conway Media Round Ireland" - get your money down now. Tonnere and Inish Mor are in a battle to be first round the Fastnet this evening, with the former in pole position and another 5 or 6 boats in close pursuit, including Aqualina, Visit Malta and Pride of Wicklow all bunched up together and Fujitsu, as well as Daft and Rosslare. For the rest of the fleet, tucked in under the east Waterford coast, they will praying for wind to move them out of the area. Over in Pebble Beach, looking out on the Pacific Ocean, Graham Mc Dowell became the first European in 40 years (and 1st Irishman) to win the US Open - come on you boys in green.

• 21/6/10 Monday 0100 DST - Most of the fleet have now passed Tuskar Rock, the first mandatory call in point and different tactics are beginning to emerge. Tonnere has opted to go well south with most other boats taking the straightline route to the south west. The performance of the two-hander Daft.com is fantastic - well up at the front of the fleet and driving hard - not easy in light airs and even more so, when one of the crew is blind. Noonans Oystercatcher, another 2 hander representing the host club have now taken up the rear but with good dinghy sailors on board, we hope to see them creeping back up with fresher breezes. The other home boat, Pride of Wicklow, is flying and really catching the eye at this early stage of the race - its never won on the south coast, but they are opening a lot of eyes.

• 20/6/10 1900 DST - The leaders are at the Tuskar now with a fair tide and moving well. Tonnere is leading but hot on his heels are Inis Mor and Pride of Wicklow, with a lot of boats bunched up together just off Wexford. Rosslare Europort has come in from his wayward error and is near the leaders off his namesake port but in reality, with his massive handicap, should be c.5 miles ahead of the fleet by now. The biggest boat is the tail-ender, Celtic Spirit of Fastnet, a 56 ton cruising super yacht, which needs strong winds to make it move.

• 20/6/10 1230 DST - Wicklow Head is the first major landmark on the course and our own guys on Pride of Wicklow were making us duly proud by being 2nd boat on the water passing it. Surprisingly, the fast boat Rosslare Europort has had a disastrous start and then inexplicably headed off into the Irish Sea across the flooding tide - a tactical error even the average dinghy sailor would not make. All of the other 35 boats did the sensible thing and kept theirs bows into the tide and reaped the rewards afterwards.

• 20/6/10 1200 DST - What a fabulous start into a pleasant Southeastrly breeze - especially for Pride Of Wicklow - they lead two of the real hotshots at the start, Tonnere de Breskens and Inis Mor, a fantastic achievement for a crowd of guys who only sailed the boat for the first time 3 weeks previously. The crowds lining the quay and shoreline were massive and the brilliant sunshine will make this a race start to remember for all who were there. Afterwards, they were treated to an Aerobatics display by Gerry Humpreys and the Wicklow Pipe Band lead the departing crowds towards the town as the boats disappeared from sight.

• 20/6/10 1100 DST - Only an hour to go, LE Orla is in position, the Race Committee are making their way out and the last of the race boats are now off the wall. The stage is set for the 2010 Conway Media Round Ireland Yacht Race. While doing the commentary on the deck, an urgent message is relayed to us - Pride Of Wicklow have no loo roll on board and an emergency grab from WSC stores is dispatched by RIB to them!

• 20/6/10 0930 DST - RTE are in town, the last bits are going on board, breakfasts are flying out and the crowds are slowly filtering into the area. Some crews got out early and are getting some air into their lungs, settling themselves down away from the hustle and bustle. Thankfully, a light easterly is developing and hopes are it will stay up for the start.

• 20/6/10 8am Sunday & Race Day - Down at the Race Office looking out to sea - not a ripple on the water, flags are barely stirring and no sign of the Navy (our Committee Boat L E Orla). And even worse news, recent octogenarian Piete Vroon, owner/skipper on Tonnere de Breskens 3, had taken a turn and was rushed to Loughlinstown Hospital. Word came back that he was comfortable and he insisted that the boat would take part regardless.

• 19/6/10 Sat later - Up town, the American Drifters are in town and what a crowd they've pulled - the Abbey car park was chock-a-block with fans. The Mardi Gras in the Gaol was also well supported. Back down in WSC, the 2 crews from Wicklow - Noonan Boats Oystercatcher and Irish Popcorn Pride of Wicklow were presented with WSC Burgees and wished good and safe sailing as they put final preparations in place for the off of the 2010 Conway Media Round Ireland Yacht Race. Tivoli Swail hadn't recovered sufficiently from her fall and due credit to her performance, she was replaced by 2 guys, Dean Mulvihill and Peter Ryan, possibly the the youngest 2010 participant. The party animals amongst the crews boogied on again to the lively sound of Straw Dogs - a final fling before the off. With all the fine weather and party goers using the premises something had to give - our sewerage system overloaded and had to be cleared by a specialist truck.

• 19/6/10 Sat pm At last, we have almost all the boats in harbour and the show is just about ready for the off. The members of Wicklow Sailing Club have been playing a blinder - hospitality with food and drink, berthing, parking, stewarding, race management, cleaning and more - well done everyone.

• 19/6/10 Sat early afternoon - the Harbour is buzzing with the sound of Jet Skis doing demos, dinghies sailing and zapcats chasing around. Above them on the Castle Field, the Indians have come to town - 2 teepees have been erected and the whole area is covered with kids and their parents as they enjoy the activities. What a wonderful sight.

• 19/6/10 Sat am - Just a day to go now and still c.10 boats not in Wicklow. There is a fresh NE-E breeze in brilliant sunshine but all on board are busy with final preparations. Dennis Noonans Race team are flat out doing inspections and rechecks, the office is dealing with all the backlog of missing details, trackers are being fitted, decals going onto the boats and the pressure is on. At least the sun makes it all very pleasant.

• 18/6/10 Fri later - Mayor Irene Winters officially opened the Festival and the Garda Band played a blinder in brilliant evening sunshine to a very appreciate audience of and not so young festival and sailing revellers. The Sailors Party kicked off simultaneously, followed by a brilliant fireworks display at the Black Castle and the Straw Dogs band entertained the sailors into the wee hours. A superb start to the SailFest and for our sailors also. Pride of Rosslare Europort, an IMOCA 60 flying machine paid a visit on the tide for some grub and to let fellow competing sailors and spectators have a look at her.

• 18/6/10 Fri pm - Orlagh and her catering staff are flat out with food, the Garda band are set up having been entertained by the Carcassone Minstrels as they ate and the Festival is about to kick off.

• We got an email from a romantic duo who were engaged at the end of the 2008 race and since married - see attached

• 18/6/10 Fri - The sun disappeared this morning and a wee chill descended on the harbour but work was ongoing regardless - finishing touches to the green areas, extra litter bins, marquees being erected, festival bits being prepared, stocks being put into the Club - yes, the Round Ireland is definitely in town. The Harbour hasn't looked as well for 2 years.

• 17/6/10pm - Fred Drew, WSC President, launched his book "Racing Around Ireland" this evening in the clubhouse and reported a brisk trade in his miscellany of Round Ireland tales. Anther 5 boats were in before midnight and the quays are taking shape.

• 17/6/10 - We have had a cry off by Calves Week.ie due to a family bereavement, so we are now 36 boats. There are 8 boats in Wicklow and more expected tonight. 15 boats were inspected in Dun Laoghaire today so the Race bits are all falling nicely into place.

• The local entry, a chartered Corby 45 named as Pride of Wicklow, arrived in the early hours to a tumultuous reception and berthed on the quay. Unfortunately, long term intending crew member, Tivoli Swail, had a bad fall on deck and hurt her back requiring an ambulance - luckily it proved to be bad bruising but puts hers participation in doubt. This might be very disappointing for both her and her mother, Pauline, who took part in the 1st Round Ireland in 1980.

• 14/6/10 - Now up to 37 yachts, it looks like the die is cast and unless a very late entry comes on board, we have our 2010 fleet. latest entries are Raging Bull and Ben Dunne Gyms.

• 13/6/10 - Good news for a lucky member of WSC - Club Secretary, Christiana Norton, has set her heart on doing the race and when she got a phone call from Dennis Noonan saying there was a space available on Cheetah Cub from the Isle of Man, her shouts for joy were heard as far away as the Fastnet Rock.

• 8/6/10 - 34 yachts now entered and the countdown is on for the 20th. Our teams are starting to put the organisational touches to House, Catering, Entertainments, Berthing, Stewarding, Cleaning and more - a mini army of club members will be on hand to make sure all goes off well. Our sailors are the prime focus and hopefully the party on Friday night will get them in the mood for a tough challenge on the high seas.

• 4/6/10 - Now up to 30 entries, the 2010 Race is now ready for its 30th Anniversary. Previous winner Cavatina is on board again hoping to achieve that elusive 3rd win. Biggest boat so far is Celtic Spirit of Fastnet, a 72' cruising yacht, who did an Antarctic voyage a few years ago and is hoping for strong winds to give them a chance.

• 3/6/10 - The SailFest is now taking shape and will provide serious entertainment options for all the family over the weekend. Free street music, loads of kiddies acctivity, drift and vintage cars, a pageant, mardi gras ball, sailors party, water sports displays, fireworks, fashion and food extravaganza and much more.

• 31/5/10 - Entries are now up to 19 with quite a few more waiting in the wings to put the final touches to their application - we are hopeful that there will be c.40 boats on the start line.

• 30/5/10 - Club President, Fred Drew, will be launching his Racing Round Ireland book on Thurs 17th June in Wicklow Sailing Club at 2000hrs - bring your wallet.

• 23/5/10 - Local business, Conway Media, have come on board as the 2010 Round Ireland Yacht Race Sponsor, which was launched tonight in Wicklow Town hall along with Round Ireland SailFest, also being sponsored by Conway Media. Managing Director, Roy Conway, has done the race on a number of occasions and sees this as a wonderful opportunity to put his business in the national eye.

• 15/5/10 - After a long break, I'm back on the job again. Our entries are slowly building - we are now up to 14, after looking at 7 entries for nearly 2 months. The 2 hander with blind sailor Mark Pollock is being sponsored by Daft.ie and will create great media awareness for the event.

• 26/3/10 - Breaking news - Blind sailor Mark Pollack to race 2 handed around Ireland - see Irish Times article

• 18/3/10 - The Round Ireland Sail Fest - Come on down to Wicklow Town is now up and running. Exciting plans for entertainment for sailors, families and visitors are being put together. Watch this space. 

• 27/2/10 - A Town Festival is now certain to get the green light to piggy back on the race, which hopefully will help to add extra sparkle to the event. Our competitors and spectators can expect a mini-Galway type atmosphere to get them in flying form for the off.

• 26/2/10 - We are now up to 6 confirmed entries with a lot more positive enquiries in the system. The boats entered so far are mainly overseas - 4 UK, 1 French and 1 Irish - 3 of these are previous entrants. A charter group representing Wicklow SC is getting its plans and funding together and we hear that a youth group from the National YC are also gearing up. Word on the grapevine has it that the Green Dragon will also be on the start line and two time winner, Cavatina, is also likely to enter.

• Feb 17 2010 - We are now up to 5 confirmed entries, 4 from the UK and one from Ireland

• Feb 2 2010 - our 1st entry has been confirmed - Robin Wooton from the Isle of Man.

• Jan 2010 - Our 2010 Race was launched in the wonderful setting of Wicklow Gaol in Dec 09, which has given a lift to the organising committee due to the wealth of goodwill evident in the local community and in the broader world of sailing.