Tense navigators and crews about to embark on the 10th Cork Dry Gin Round Ireland race were keeping a close watch on a low-pressure system off the west coast of Ireland last night.
The indications are, however, that the race will be sailed in light airs. The first 12 hours on the 704mile journey, which starts at 2 p.m. tomorrow, should be sailed in a light southerly wind. This will make for uncomfortable beating once around the Tuskar Rock and may slow the smaller boats in the 39-boat field, putting their chances at handicap victory in doubt.
Once around the corner, the wind is to move into the south-west, according to predictions, continuing the beat. Unusually for the round Ireland race, a beat up the west coast to Donegal is possible as well.
Most of the fleet has now gathered in Wicklow. The deeper draft boats will sail directly to the start from Dun Laoghaire.
Meanwhile, it is expected that the fleet will be reduced by two before tomorrow afternoon. Sigmagic has been withdrawn because of the unavailability by her skipper and a boat yet to be revealed by organisers is not expected to pass the minimum size requirements and would also be forced to withdraw.
Bridgestone F1 received a marginally higher TCF of 1.515 mainly due to a longer length, new rigging. Jeep Cherokee , with big masthead spinnakers and water ballasting, may have the edge in reaching or running winds.
