An historic new record for the fastest-ever sail around Ireland has been set. The Sultanate of Oman’s flagship trimaran Musandam-Oman Sail has completed the full 704-mile course in just 38 hours, 37 minutes and 7 secondssmashing their own2015 record by an incredible 2 hours, 14 minutes and 50 seconds. *
They set off from Wicklow Bay at 13.10 on Saturday (18th June) for the 2016 Volvo Round Ireland Yacht race. Incredibly, all three of the Mod 70 trimarans arrived back to Wicklow within minutes of each other, every single one of them breaking the 2015 record.
Team Concise were out front for most of the race with Phaedo 3 overtaking them in the early hours of Monday morning, and it looked certain one of the two would take line honours. Musandam-Oman Sail however took advantage of an inshore track and manoeuvred ahead in the final hour.
Difficult seas meant 12 of the 63 yachts that set off on Saturday have since retired from the race. The remaining 48 are still making their way around the Irish coast.
The next yacht expected in the monohull category is George David’s Rambler 88, which depending on winds is due in later today.
Upon coming ashore a beaming but tired Damian Foxall said it was a very demanding race: “Even though we did it in record-breaking time, we had no rest. It was pretty full on. The only important part of leading the race is when you get to the finish line. Coming inside Howth we realised we could do it. I am exhausted!”
*New record subject to ratification by World Speed Sailing Record Council
