Competitors will face challenging seas in various conditions, from flat calm to strong gale force winds. This tests not just the sailors also their navigators as they choose the best route for their boat. 

At first glance the course appears simple “Leave Ireland and all its islands excluding Rockall to starboard”.  However therein lies the challenge as depending on the current or forecast conditions they will plan their route, always looking for the edge.

Should they hug the coast or head out to sea?  Will they be within sight of Carnsore Point or will the Old Head of Kinsale be just a point on the chart as they turn further south to catch more favourable winds. 

Unlike our cruising sailors they will not explore Roaringwater Bay and as the first boat passes the Blasket Islands the fleet will be dotted around the coastline. However with time corrections it’s not always the first boat home that takes the honours – this is part of the fascination of the BMW Round Ireland Race.

Should the weather bring continuous gales, the west coast provides few options for harbours of refuge as the boats race north. In contrast, conditions in 2006 were so light that it was only slowly that the competing yachts made their way north towards Tory Island and Malin Head.

With Rathlin Island in sight it feels like the end is near and the east coast is within reach.  However miss the tidal gate and you will go nowhere fast, with the Mull of Kintyre holding to port. The fleet can close up on you here if the timing is wrong. But if your navigator has planned well, and the weather goes your way, than you are on the home run.

However the final challenge is the one from the start - the Irish Sea - with it’s fickle winds and strong tides it aims to consistently test the best of crews. 

The BMW Round Ireland Race brings out the best in our racing sailors precisely because of the simple course “Leave Ireland and all its islands excluding Rockall to starboard”.

On behalf of the ISA, we commend Wicklow Sailing Club and BMW for their continued organisation and support of this demanding race. We also wish all competitors fair winds and good luck for July 2008.
Robert Dix
President, ISA  

For Enquiries and Entry Forms:
Race Officer: Dennis Noonan
Phone: 00353 (0) 1 281 9459
Email: jackyb@eircom.net
Website: www.wicklowsailingclub.com

Launch of BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race
The 2008 BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race will be officially launced in Wicklow Sailing Club on Friday 7th December at 8pm. All interested parties are welcome to attend, light snacks will be served.

Further details available on the Round Ireland link on www.wicklowsailingclub.com