The latest communique from HQ states that when the entries closed last Saturday, forty yachts had entered, and are now listed on the official website.
These include the much-vaunted 100ft super maxi, Leopard, the Cookson 50 formerly known as 'Chieftain', now re-christened Lee Overlay Partners, a Volvo 60, and a brand new IRC 63, Alegre, designed by Wicklow-based Mark Mills.
Eleven double-handers are now included as entered, including Glen Ward and internationally acclaimed French sailor Marie Hercelin on the smallest boat in the fleet, a Ker 30.9.
Alongside these boats and the other crews we see the new Class 40, Gusilliam 52, sailed by Mark Wynne-Smith.
There are some other recognizable names and faces, too.
Blackjack, sailed by Darren & Clifford Nicholson, is back again as are Laurent & Bernard Gouy on their new Kerr 39 Inismor. Cavatina returns once again along with Arklow boat, Aquelina, Matt Davies on his Corby 41 from Skerries and Whitetiger from Kinsale.
The party kicks off in Wicklow on Wednesday the 18th and carries the whole way to the start and after.
The fleet is reaching impressive levels, but here at Afloat we're greedy - it's not enough. All eyes are scanning the horizon at the moment, hoping for the sight of one or two Volvo 70 masts that are rumoured to be considering the race, which would surely make for the most interesting offshore match race that the Round Ireland has ever seen.
Team Russia hit the water on Saturday for their first sail, and have already told Afloat: "If all the preparations have been complete and the Team thinks it will be ready for Round Ireland they will take part."
The other entrant, Ger O'Rourke's recent VO70 purchase, is thought to be be en route to Ireland from the Canaries, if not already in the country. For now, it's a waiting game.
For more information about the race and the social calendar go to the official website at www.roundirelandyachtrace.ie.
