Well, well, well, the interest in the Round Ireland Race is amazing and it is all very exciting as who knows what changes we will see today. However, nobody has mentioned the amazing organisation by Wicklow Sailing Club and the response from the town of Wicklow to the whole event so, as a spectator and participant in the general shoreside scene, let me tell you what it seemed like to me and our family group that included very young children. I did not have the good fortune to be present for all the activity starting from Friday but did have the whole of Sunday to enjoy and enjoy it we certainly did from leaving Cork at 6.45 am to join with our family in Wicklow.

It was fantastic from the word go. First there was the walk along the quay wall with the boats getting ready and pulling away from their berths. Then there was the walk up with hundreds of other people to the vantage viewing point. The number of people was amazing. The reports state 10,000 people descended on Wicklow over the three days and I could well believe this. The people of Wicklow as always respond wonderfully to this event. In fact they must be the most delightful people to put on a festival for as they support everything so well. Of course it was all made so magic by the glorious weather which seems to be a feature of this area, any time I go there anyway. On race morning the waiting crowds at the viewing point were regaled with rousing music from a Pipe Band which kept everybody tapping their feet, the children excitedly jigging around and a hugely festive mood prevailed. Even the children got lollipops handed out by Mickey Mouse characters all round. Then, at last the activity on the water began to change as the race Officer got ready for the start sequence and the boats began their manoeuvring.

The gun went and there was a sound rippled through the crowd and then the clapping and cheering broke out. Where else, I ask you, would you get a response like that? At last the great moment of the start signal arrived and this time the clapping and cheering had to be heard to be believed. The fleet looked superb as they moved off towards the Head and the crowd were just enthralled. But, there was more to come! Just a few minutes later as the boats were well on their way a small aeroplane appeared in the sky over our heads and the stunt pilot began his display. This was truly amazing and spurred on the crowds, adults, children, grandparents, dogs et al to more excitement and applause for each manoeuvre with gasps as the plan appeared to be coming straight towards us and then magically swooped upwards again making a huge smoke trail in the sky as he ducked, weaved, turned upside down and did everything one could think of while the trail floated around in the air. Finally the show came to an end and when the pilot cam into to wiggle his wings and say goodbye we could see him quite clearly and I know he saw, even if he couldn’t hear, the roars, cheers and wild applause for his display. What finish to the start of the 30th Anniversary of the Round Ireland race.

What a great day and what great congratulations must go to Wicklow Sailing Club and Chief Race Organiser Denis Noonan. They really pulled out all the stops. They should also know that their efforts are much appreciated and enjoyed and the people of Wicklow Town are also to be congratulated for their unfailing support for the event and making the town so wonderful a place to be for the event.

From Claire in Cork - Extracted from Afloat Forum - http://www.afloat.ie/index.php?option=com_kunena&Itemid=10&func=view&catid=3&id=2262&limit=6&limitstart=6#2270