#roundireland – An amazing last stretch performance from Inis Mor has resulted in a probable IRC overall victory in the 2012 Round Ireland Race.
Tonnerre de Breskens has been in the clubhouse for the last 12 or so hours, setting a corrected time target of 4 days, 18 hours and 20 minutes. As the wind veered to the south, turning the final stretch into an uphill slog, it looked increasingly like the Dutchmen were home and hosed, particularly as Inis Mor was battling a foul tide in her approach to Dublin Bay. However, smart navigation, tacking towards the shore from the nose of Howth and seawards when off the Muglins just as the ebb started, enabled the resilient Frenchmen to make good progress hard on the wind down the Wicklow coast and to cross the line with only minutes to spare after 4 and a half days at sea.
While most of the fleet is still at sea, it seems unlikely, given the weather conditions that a winner can emerge from the pack.
There will be some party in Wicklow tonight!