Tom joins Gery ahead of Round Ireland Race

Fine conditions and light to moderate winds forecast for Saturday 20th June at Wicklow Harbour for the start of the Round Ireland Race © David Branigan / Oceansport

One of Ireland's most accomplished offshore sailors has been confirmed as a late crew change for a leading French contender ahead of Saturday afternoon's start of the classic Round Ireland Race at Wicklow Harbour.

Meath sailor Tom Dolan, who was outright winner of the famous single-handed Figaro Race in 2024 has this week teamed top French contender Long Courrier skippered by Gery Trentesaux in the fleet of 56 starters expected to contest the 704 nautical mile course around Ireland.

Thousands of spectators are expected to line the quaysides and coastal paths towards Wicklow lighthouse to watch the fleet begin the race with the Irish Naval Service in attendance for the traditional guardship role.

As always, weather will play a big role in deciding the outcome of the race and whether or not one of the exotic large boats can win overall or will a smaller entry seize victory.

Likely to take early leads on the water are Khumbu skippered by Guy Gillon and Venemous skippered by Venomous Graeme Lewis and Christopher Brook. Both will be trying to reach the Tuskar Rock off the Wexford coast and the turn towards the Fastnet Rock before the wind dies as currently forecast.

Later in the race, winds are expected to become favourable and even deliver the classic "Atlantic sleigh-ride" conditions northwards toward the Donegal coast. Avoiding being becalmed at any stage will be the leading boats' goal to avoid handing an advantage to the smaller entries.

"We're looking forward to the challenge of being one of the smallest boats ever in the race," commented Mick Liddy, a Search & Rescue helicopter pilot who is competing with Barry O'Connor on Bergins Katanca. "As always, when we turn the corner and head for the finish, this is where the race will be won or lost."

While the overall race is decided on corrected time, a system similar to handicapping the leading boats on the water will be vying for 'Line Honours' and the first boat home. But it could be several days until the true winner reaches Wicklow and overall result confirmed.

In the 2024 edition of the race, Howth entry The Big Picture owned by brothers Mike and Ritchie Evans placed second overall, narrowly missing victory by just five minutes.

"The excitement before the Round Ireland is like a five year old the week before Christmas with the anticipation - it's such a great event," commented Ritchie Evans. "We just need to go five minutes quicker and focus on getting through the tidal gates."

Meanwhile, ports and marinas from Howth to Greystones to Dun Laoghaire have been hives of activity as anticipation grows and crews start gathering from around Ireland and overseas. Safety inspections are being carried out on every boat and final provisions are being loaded. Saturday morning will see a steady stream of boats muster at Wicklow with crowds expected to gather from late-morning onwards.