Ireland West Airport Knock, the proud co-sponsors of Sail team Ireland West are delighted to announce that the team have won 1st 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,
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.
22 Mar 2017 12:50pm
06 Dec 2017 10:29am
06 Dec 2017 13:59pm
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06 Dec 2017 14:02pm