Round Ireland Race Sailing Record - ICAP Leopard

Wicklow, Ireland - In a race fraught with gales, the 100 foot super maxi yacht ICAP Leopard sailed into Wicklow this morning marking a new Round Ireland Race record. Mike Slade, Chris Sherlock and their crew crossed the finish line at 05:48:47, knocking 10 hours, 35 minutes and 10 seconds off the previous race record, set in 1998 by Colm Barrington. This is the yachts second record in a month, having broken the Transatlantic speed record for yachts with powered winches earlier this month.

Owner of ICAP Leopard Mike Slade commented: “The BMW Round Ireland Race this past three days has been a slog. We’ve had all manner of weather conditions to deal with, but overall enjoyed a great rounding of the Emerald Isle. My thanks go to all of the crew for their great work.” Slade continued, “It is now onwards and upwards for us as we dash back to Southampton for this weekend’s JP Morgan Round the Island Race. We’re looking forward to having another bash at the record we set back in 2001 aboard Leopard of London for the fastest boat round the island. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for the right weather, but whatever the gods bring us it’s always a great day’s racing.”

The JP Morgan Round the Island Race which starts this weekend is one of the world’s largest regattas, with over 1875 boats entered! Will keep you posted on the action as the race heats up.

- YC

Photo: Sailing the ICAP Leopard maxi yacht.

Video: The yacht ICAP Leopard finishing the 2,925 nautical mile crossing from New York to the Lizard, Cornwall, UK, in 7 Days, 19 Hours & 21 Minutes.