At least twenty boats representing sixteen different Irish yacht clubs will contest what forecasts suggest will be a fast inaugural edition of the Fastnet 450 Race next Saturday from Dublin to Cork via the Fastnet Rock.
The mixed cruiser fleet hit the big 20 this morning when County Wexford skipper Keith Miller from Kilmore Quay entered his Yamaha 36, Andante.
With the entry capped at 25 and entries closing on Monday, organisers believe there may yet be some late entries this weekend with current weather forecasts showing a fast race to Cork starting of Dun Laoghaire Harbour next Saturday lunchtime.
As Afloat previously reported, the newest race on the Irish sailing calendar celebrates the 300th anniversary of the Royal Cork Yacht Club and the 150th anniversary of the National Yacht Club.
Indications are a moderate west/southwesterly for the first eight hours or so next Saturday, then veering westerly and veering further towards the north-west. That might mean a fetch or close reach down the east coast, then on the wind for a few hours until wind frees then a close reach to the rock.
The leg back from the rock will be a beam/broad reach back, so should be a fast race with leaders maybe making it to Cork around midnight on Sunday.
Race entry form here Notice of Race here Download the latest entry list below