Ireland West Airport Knock, the proud co-sponsors of Sail team Ireland West   are delighted to announce that the team have won 1^st place in the 2008 BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race. Ireland West, skippered by Aodhan Fitzgerald of Galway Bay Sailing Club, has been confirmed as the overall winner on corrected time by Wicklow Sailing Club’s race office. The 704 mile non-stop race was postponed due to severe weather, finally starting in windy conditions on Sunday 22nd June in Wicklow, and the crew of Ireland West raced hard and fast for five days and nights at sea. In their 40ft yacht, they completed the 704 mile course in 101 hours, 47 minutes and 40 seconds.

Heading the leader board for most of yesterday it was still possible that boats still sailing could have overtaken Ireland West on handicap, however just after 1am this morning, this was no longer possible. Out of the original 41 starters, 8 boats are still at sea, the majority of whom are expected to finish in the next few hours. Negative tides and poor wind prevented the smaller boats, in the most difficult conditions in the 28 year history of the event, from closing the gap on their bigger, faster rivals.

The team, drawn from the West of Ireland, already won Class 1 of the race in 2006 and ranked 4th overall, just missing out on an overall podium place due to light airs at the finish. Sail Team Ireland West are sponsored again this year by Ireland West Airport Knock and Fáilte Ireland West.

On hearing the news of the win, Annette Kearney , Marketing and Route Development Manager, Ireland West Airport congratulated the team on their fantastic achievement. “This is a remarkable achievement for sail team Ireland West who we also sponsored in 2006 when they finished first in Class 1 and fourth overall in the last race two years ago to build on that and  win 1^st place. We are very pleased and extremely proud of Aodhan Fitzgerald, Larry Hynes and all the crew who have not only heightened awareness in the region of a growing sport in Ireland but who have helped to promote the west of Ireland internationally as a great adventure and activity holiday destination. After their victory in this year’s Round Ireland race they have certainly place the West of Ireland onto the international stage ”

The board, Management and staff of Ireland West Airport Knock would like to congratulate Ireland West for this wonderful achievement. Well done Sail Team Ireland West.