August 3rd's Rolex Fastnet Race from Cowes is shaping up to have more Irish interest than the landmark turning point with eight Irish-flagged boats in the 26-nation race and Irish sailors also registered as competing on boats across the record fleet.
As Afloat reported earlier, this is a significant year, not only for the record 400-boat fleet taking part in the world's biggest offshore race but it marks the 40th anniversary of the 1979 race.
As well as Conor Fogerty's foiling Figaro 3 Raw, from Howth and Keith Miller's Andante, a Yamaha 36 from Wexford, boats with Irish flags include the much campaigned Dehler 34 Big Deal by father and Son duo Derek and Conor Dillon from Foynes Yacht Club.
Ronan O'Siochru's Dun Laoghaire Marina-based Irish Offshore Sailing School will have two entries Desert Star and Sherkin, both Sunfast 37s.
Cian McCarthy's Eos from Kinsale, James Crockatt's Irish-flagged A35 Jump 'n' Shout and Brendan Coghlan's Dun Laoghaire-based Sunfast 3600 YoYo.
As Afloat previously reported, a special service at Holy Trinity, Cowes will be held the night before the race.
Irish Sailors in the Fastnet Race
Irish sailors are also competing on the following boats (from the crew lists so far): Venomous, Mardy Gras, Polished Manx II, Catzero, Simples, Lucky, Rho, Galahad of Cowes, Finnish Line, Lutine, Juno, Andante, Sunset, Eos, Rock Lobster, Yoyo, Jengu, Alcibiades III, Rum N Cork II and Jackhammer.