Following perhaps the longest drawn-out race for a prize in Irish sport, and perhaps the most valuable prize ever in Irish sailing, it is coming down to a matter of minutes and seconds in today's SSE Renewables Round Ireland Race conclusion.
As Afloat previously reported, determined over the outcomes of the 2016, 2018 and 2022 Round Ireland Races, the main contenders for the Volvo V40 are Michael Boyd (Darkwood), Rob Craigie (Bellino), Ian Hickey (Cavatina) and Paul O'Higgins (Rockabill).
Boyd is in the clubhouse, waiting anxiously for the other three to complete the race.
Craigie is in the strongest challenging position as of 12 noon today (June 23rd), but he must finish by 15:30 or so to finish ahead of Boyd.
Boyd, however, has a three-place cushion and so Craigie will be relying on other finishers to reduce the gap.
Protest
The overall position is further complicated by a protest - according to Afloat sources - that has been lodged against Boyd over an alleged TSS violation, which may yet cost him two hours.
Weather forecasts suggest that a breeze has filled in providing hope for those still at sea.
Details on the protest result here