Two new entries tip entries over the 40 boat mark for the SSE Renewables Round Ireland Yacht Race that is due to start off Wicklow in just over ten weeks time.
Waterford Harbour Sailing Club skipper Peter Coad skippering the Pocock 37 Black Jack is the 41st entry into the classic offshore. The Dunmore East based 1988-vintage yacht is a veteran of the 2019 Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race.
Coad's entry follows Ross Hobson's Seacart 30 Buzz from Newcastle in the UK also entered in late March.
The buoyant entries make good on Wicklow organiser's early prediction that they could top 60-boats for the 21st edition of the race.
So far, it is the only big-ticket sailing event of the summer not cancelled due to COVID-19. The organisers say a call on whether or not the biennial race will go ahead will be made towards the end of April.