It's official: the rainbow ends at Wicklow Harbour!

 

For this year's entrants to the Round Ireland Yacht Race, the rainbow really does end at Wicklow Harbour!
2008 entrants White Tiger - IRL 4470, Kinsale Yacht Club and Aquelina - IRL 1661, Arklow Sailing Club in the foreground.

Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station and Wicklow Sailing Club in the centre of the photograph.
 
Wicklow Harbour, 26 June 2008.
 
Photo Gallery HERE

Waiting for The Dutch Master, Formidable 3, to return

 

Shore Support, Formidable 3 (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

Shore support at Wicklow Harbour during the Round Ireland Yacht Race waiting for the (Dutch) Master, 'Formidable 3', to return!
25 June 2008.

Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above)

YouTube video of 'Formidable 3' fast sailing in 30 knots + HERE

So you set a new record! Icap Leopard 3 finishes Round Ireland Yacht Race 2008

 

Clubhouse, Wicklow Sailing Club (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

Welcome to Wicklow Sailing Club (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

"He says they set a new record. Pity there's only orange juice and tea to celebrate with!"

Wicklow Sailing Club, 25 June 2008.

Mission Accomplished! Leopard 3 takes Line Honours & sets new Round Ireland Yacht Race record: 65 hours, 48 minutes and 47 seconds

 

Crew members of ICAP Leopard 3 being welcomed ashore at Wicklow (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

A deservedly happy skipper, Chris Sherlock and several of Leopard 3's crew come ashore at Wicklow Harbour after taking Line Honours in the 2008 Round Ireland Yacht Race and setting a very impressive new record in the process. The crew receive a warm welcome from Commodore John Johnson and the race organisers at Wicklow Sailing Club. Click on any of the photos for the full story (link to official race website).

Meanwhile (bottom photo), Leopard 3, having barely coming to a halt after crossing the finish line outside Wicklow Harbour, immediately departs for Southampton for her next challenge, The Round The Island (of Wight) Race on June 28th.

Round Ireland over, ICAP Leopard 3 sets sail for Southampton (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

Leopard 3 under sail

 

YouTube video HERE of ICAP Leopard 3 under sail during its recent setting of a new Transatlantic Powered Sailing Systems Record, finishing the 2,925 nautical mile Atlantic crossing from New York to The Lizard, Cornwall, England in 7 days, 19 hrs and 21 mins.

2008 Round Ireland Yacht Race - Start postponed until 12 noon Sunday June 22nd.

 

Wicklow Harbour on the eve of the 2008 Round Ireland Yacht Race (Copyright 2008 Sailpix Ireland)

Forecasts of strong gale force nine winds today (Saturday, June 21st) caused the temporary postponement of the 2008 Round Ireland Yacht Race. The race, organised by Wicklow Sailing Club, is due to start at 12 noon on Sunday, June 22nd. No further delays are anticipated.
On the eve of what promises to be a record breaking event, the fleet waited out the bad weather at Dun Laoghaire and Wicklow harbours. Race favourite Mike Slade's Leopard 3 is hoping to set a new record time for the event.

Photo Gallery HERE (or click on photo above)