Baraka Gp leads the way off west coast

THE prospects of a small boat victory in the 705-nautical mile Volvo Round Ireland Race increased last night as the leading big boats failed to shake off the chasing pack in rough seas off the west coast.

Niall Dowling’s 43-footer Baraka Gp holds the lead for the ‘on the water’ race but the overall race win is still decided on IRC handicapped time and with the other boats close behind, a lucky break is needed.

The worst of the strong winds that gusted over gale force at times was experienced off the Skellig Rocks and Blasket Islands with wind against tide conditions that Baraka Gp Boat Captain James Carroll described as “very rough.”