The entered Howth Yacht Club Grand Soleil 44 Samatom will not race in Saturday's second race of the Viking Marine Coastal Series from Dun Laoghaire Harbour, skipper Robert Rendell has confirmed.
Afloat sources say that Robert Rendell's Samatom is completing pre-season work but will race in the third race on April 29th.
Samatom of Howth was a top performer at key 2022 events such as the Round Ireland Race and Cork Week.
A second drop-out from the entry list is Barry O'Donovan's First 40, Black Magic.
Despite the two deletions, there is still a solid 14-boat entry for the 22-miler to and from Dun Laoghaire.
The basis of the proposed course for the light SE winds is Start - ISORA virtual - Nt Kish - East Kish - Finish. Approx 22 miles.
The third race on the 29th may start earlier than advertised to facilitate viewing the European Cup rugby semi-final at the National Yacht Club.
As Afloat reported earlier, forecasts indicate another light race start on Saturday morning.