June saw the staging of a truly vintage SSE Renewables Round Ireland Race from Wicklow. But for those who think that success in events like this 704-mile marathon is only for seasoned sailors with many comparable races logged, the top Irish boat - the J/99
Snapshot (Mike & Richie Evans, Howth YC) - was an eye-opener, as this was their first offshore major. And they almost won it, placing just five minutes behind the overall winner after out-performing many comparable boats in the final very difficult miles.