The starting gun for the 2008 BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race was sounded at 1200 hours today to signal probably the most exciting and competitive contest in the 28 year history of Ireland's premier offshore sailing challenge.
With a westerly breeze gusting 40 knots, Alburn, Leopard and Galileo were the first over the line followed closely by Lee Overlay Partners and Cavatina.
41 boats started this year's race and three yachts have officially retired. This includes, from the Class Super Zero, Alegre and McConnell's Chieftain and Voador from Class Two. The Kerr 10.7 sailed by Glen Ward did not make it to the start line as did Ulula.
The first boat to reach the Wicklow Head was Leopard quickly followed by Alburn as the big racing machines separated themselves from the smaller boats.
Can Mike Slade's super maxi, current holder of the record for the Fastnet Race and the Trans-Atlantic crossing, and the other competitors in Class Super Zero beat Colm Barrington's record? With the first yachts expected to check in at the Tuskar Rock within 4 hours this record could easily be broken.
You can follow all the action this year with our tracking system, supplied by RORC and powered by OC Technology at www.roundirelandyachtrace.ie
