Following last night’s BMW Round Britain and Ireland Race line honours win by David Nixon on O2 Team Spirit and City Jet Solune arriving two hours later, fresh westerly winds have now added extra speed to the smaller entries expected to arrive in larger numbers at Wicklow over the coming 48 hours.

Dutch veteran offshore sailor Piet Vroon on Tonnerre de Breskens arrived shortly after nine o’clock this morning to be followed by Maltese entry Jazz skippered by Chris Bull just before midday.

Ducth 65 footer Second Love is expected about lunchtime though a gap until late afternoon will follow before some of the most competitive handicap entries will arrive.

Cork entry Minnie the Moocher endured 40 knot winds overnight and moved to shelter in Dundrum Bay this morning, also hoping to take advantage of westerly winds that will allow a straight fetch to the finish. This will also alleviate stress on his rudder bearings that are a cause for concern.