The BMW Round Ireland Race was won on corrected time by Eric Lisson and crew on the Granada 38 footer Cavatina from the Royal Cork Yacht Club who succeeded in defeating bigger and faster rivals on the 704-mile course. This is the second win for Cavatina who joins Denis Doyle’s Moonduster in the record books for the same achievement.

Un-typically light winds for almost all the race ensured that victory would go to a smaller, lower handicapped entry as the overall win is decided on IRC handicap. Headwinds resulted in a slow slog for all 39 starters of which 36 completed the course.

Late on Saturday night after more than a week at sea, the last competitor sent a message to the Wicklow Sailing Club Race office notifying the organisers of his intention to retire. Facing a southerly gale for the final 90 miles and in a area known for its seven metre waves in such conditions, Mick Creedon pulled into Carlingford after reefing gear failed on his S&S 36 footer.