The biennial race to the South Coast's regattas and cruising grounds began is glorious sunshine and a light steady breeze. With 30 boats entered, and almost as many there to see them off, it was a perfect morning to head out from Dun Laoghaire and around Dalkey Island with the Ebb tide. Deloitte confirmed her status as line-honours favourite by dissappearing over the horizon quickly, but with fickle conditions forecast it could be any boat that takes the overall trophy in Kerry.