The BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race got off to a flying start today, with
the sun in the sky and a 15 knot breeze sweeping across Wicklow; it
really was a perfect day for both spectators and competitors.

You could feel the tension in the air as Race Organiser, Denis Noonan
counted down the last few seconds on the clock, months of preparation
all came down to the next few minutes. Konica Minolta Zana got away
from the pack early from the port end of the line and took her rightful
place at the top of the fleet, with Whisper, Solune and Jeronimo
following suit.

Konica Minolta Zana has already passed the Tuskar at the time of
20.44, averaging a speed of 19 knots. The other Super Zero are closing
in on the Tuskar and are expected to be checking in by early Sunday
morning.