Saturday 22 June will see Wicklow Town become a hive of activity. A total of 53 boats and their crews will descend on the busy port town for 2024 SSE Renewables Round Ireland, where months of organisation and preparations will finally come to fruition for Wicklow Sailing Club. The 22nd edition of the Round Ireland will begin with an official race start at 1pm.
"Preparations in Wicklow are in their final stages now and excitement is ramping up, we are so grateful to have such wonderful volunteers, ready to step up and give so much time to get us over the line. I’ve heard many people comment that SSE Renewables Round Ireland is their favourite time in Wicklow. The sailors, the atmosphere, the colour, the warm Wicklow welcome, you can't beat it! We look forward to welcoming friends old and new to Wicklow and hope that the weather gods look favourably on us,"
Karen Kissane, Commodore of Wicklow Sailing Club
Race day is almost here and organisers want to encourage the people of County Wicklow and beyond to come along on Saturday June 22nd and support this amazing international race.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the SSE Renewables Round Ireland is the opportunity for visitors to take in the spectacle of the fleet of competing boats, all of varying sizes, and their crews assemble in Wicklow Port. From one of the most impressive viewing galleries that exists in Ireland, spectators will be able to watch the sailing action of the startline unfold from the Wicklow piers and along the beautiful cliffs of Black Castle. "There are teams from all over Ireland, Britain and Europe. It's going to be a truly magnificent spectacle of offshore racing" says Kyran O'Grady, Race Director.
The 2024 SSE Renewables Round Ireland Race is Ireland’s premier offshore yacht race. First staged by Wicklow Sailing Club in 1980 and held biennially since, the 705-nautical miles yacht race features boats ranging in size from 30 feet to over 70. The Round Ireland is the second longest race in the Royal Ocean Racing Club calendar.
Wicklow Sailing Club is thrilled to have SSE Renewables returning as title sponsors for the Round Ireland. The association with the Round Ireland is an ideal one as the company is an active member of the community in County Wicklow as it continues to progress its plans for Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 off the coast of Arklow, Co. Wicklow. As the leading developer and operator of renewable energy in Ireland, their support emphasises the significance of this event in the sailing calendar. The synergy between both race and sponsor highlights their shared passion for wind and excellence.
"We are delighted to support this event once again. It truly highlights the special place sailing holds for people of all ages in Irish coastal communities. We wish all the competing crews the best of luck and look forward to seeing them sail past our proposed development site at Arklow Bank."
James O’Hara, Arklow Bank Project Director at SSE Renewables
Wicklow Sailing Club’s ‘Rock Around Ireland Party’ kicks off on Friday, 21 June at the Club, with a BBQ at 7.00 p.m. followed by live entertainment from ‘The Flamin Mongrels’. On Saturday 22nd June, a family fun festival will take place at Black Castle Hill from 11am to 8pm. Brought to you by SSE Renewables, the Round Ireland festival will include a main stage with live music and entertainment, as well as bouncy castles for younger visitors and plenty of food stalls to keep everyone happy. East Coast FM will also be on hand broadcasting live from Black Castle on the day, bringing a fantastic atmosphere to the occasion and keeping listeners updated with all event activities.
Keep this Saturday 22 June free for the spectacle of the SSE Renewables Round Ireland 2024 with a race start of 1pm. See https://roundireland.ie/wp/ for all relevant information and updates.
