• 18 Jun, 2008
• Business, Nature

This week, Ireland West Airport Knock extended its best wishes to ‘Sail Team ’s West’ in the forthcoming BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race which commences on Saturday, 21^st June next from Wicklow. Ireland West Airport Knock is co-sponsoring the entrant once again this year along with Fáilte Ireland West. The Round Ireland Race is ’s premier offshore sailing event which is held every two years.  Ireland West Airport Knock also sponsored the team in 2006 when they won the event in Class 1, just missing out on an overall podium place due to light airs at the finish. There are forty entries in this year’s 700 mile non-stop race.

Extending her best wishes to the team, Annette Kearney, Marketing and Route Development Manager, Ireland West Airport Knock said:” Ireland West Airport Knock is delighted to be a co-sponsor of this venture together with Failte now for the second time - particularly as we view ourselves with having many similar interests with each partner.  It is important that this region harnesses its natural amenities, the wonderful Atlantic coast being one, its talented sports people and the enthusiasm that we have for outdoor and adventure leisure activities. The pursuit of sailing is such an activity that can not only provide a sustainable tourism product for us to promote domestically and internationally, but it provides a wonderful leisurely pursuit.  We are proud to be associated with a superb team representing ’s Western region and we wish Aodhán Fitzgerald, Larry Hynes and the rest of the crew the very best in the challenge ahead!”

The team is hoping to build on their campaign in 2006, where they won Class 1 and came fourth overall. Forty entries have been declared for this year’s race, with the 100ft super-maxi ICAP Leopard looking like the contender for line honours. Alongside her, also looking to break the course record held by Colm Barrington, will be a Russian Open 70, Alburn an Open 60, Lee Overlay Partners a Cookson 50 and the brand new IRC 63, Alegre, designed by Wicklow based Mark Mills. A GPS tracker will be viewable on the web at www.roundirelandyachtrace.ie giving position updates throughout the race.

 

 

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