Leaders pass Fastnet Rock off West Cork coast in SSE Renewables Round Ireland Race

Less than 30 hours after starting the 705 nautical-mile circumnavigation, the leading boats in the SSE Renewables Round Ireland Race have passed the famous Fastnet Rock lighthouse off Cape Clear island in West Cork.

On the water, the lead boat is Paradox3 skippered by Adam Davis but has been closely tailed by Eric de Turckheim on Teasing Machine barely two miles behind.

Although light winds have hampered progress for many of the 46-strong fleet, a forecast of fresh winds on the Atlantic coast bring the prospect of some high-speed sailing that could transform race standings, at least as far as the contest for 'line honours' for the first boat home goes.

However, the overall race is decided on IRC corrected time and so far the bulk of the fleet including many smaller contenders have yet to be left behind by the leaders.

Throughout the second day of the race, most boats having been tacking in and out of the various bays and headlands as they play the tide and local wind effects.

Unusually for this event, just two boats have retired after a relatively benign open 24 hours, much of which was spent almost becalmed overnight into Sunday.

After Finbarr O'Regan's Artful Dodger (Kinsale YC) retired immediately after the start with mast damage, James Neville's Ino Noir (Royal Ocean Racing Club) also pulled out just a few hours into the race after grounding on the Blackwater Bank near Wexford.

For more information and the race tracker please visit roundireland.ie