| Ireland. The Irish Marine Survey Office visits Challenge fleet and passes it with flying colours |
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| Friday, 21 April 2006 | |
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Rachel Anning: The Irish Marine Survey Office (MSO) has been working closely with the organisers of the upcoming Ireland Challenge 2006 making sure the yachts are in optimum shape and fully regulated to Irish standards before they take on the notorious race course from Dublin to Dublin this weekend. It was reported today (21st April 2006) that the fleet has passed with flying colours and is ready to race! The MSO is part of the Maritime Safety Directorate (MSD) and are responsible for the implementation of all Irish and international legislation in relation to safety of shipping and the prevention of pollution of the marine environment from ship-based sources. As the Ireland Challenge takes place in Irish waters, out of an Irish port, Challenge Business are responsible for complying with their regulations, as well as those of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The MSO was in Plymouth, Devon last week, having sent one of their surveyors to look over the fleet of Challenge yachts before the crews started their trip across to Ireland and Dublin City Moorings, the host port for the race, earlier in the week. The Ireland Challenge 2006 will feature five identical 72 foot yachts each with a crew of 16, including a professional skipper and a professional mate. The rest of the crew will be made up of men and women from all walks of life from a student to a Doctor, a builder to an accountant. Nearly three quarters of the crew had never sailed before starting their training so safety onboard is paramount and Challenge Business has been delighted with the help that the MSO has given them, in order to prepare the yachts for the Irish waters. Andrew Roberts, Project Director for Challenge Business, comments, "The MSO work to a slightly different set of rules but our yachts have complied with the Irish regulations without any problems at all. “Our whole dealings with them have been extremely beneficial to us and their professionalism and constant assistance has enabled us to comply to the standards with absolute ease. As the race is a ‘first’ it will act as a benchmark for future races and we’re delighted that the yachts have passed and are ready to race with flying colours. "There are many safety elements which feature as standard across the fleet. Additions to the UK rules meant that crews undertook a life raft familiarisation exercise in Plymouth, before sailing to Ireland. Crews will be also be required to wear lifejackets on deck at all times.” The rules onboard Challenge Yachts have always ensured that life jackets are worn in rough weather and at night, so this additional rule will affect only the small additional time where they will have to be won. On several yachts in previous races, this has been the normal rule applied by particular skippers in any case. The Ireland Challenge sets sail tomorrow from Ireland’s Eye, north of Dublin Bay at 14.00. The race will be officiated by Principal Race Officer David Lovegrove, from Howth Yacht Club, and his team from the ‘Free Enterprise’. A large spectator fleet is envisaged for the start, in a variety of boats, including a host of VIPs, The Lord Mayor of Dublin and founder of Challenge Business, Sir Chay Blyth. The start day will be a major event with commentary, a parade of sail from City Mooring for the yachts, confetti cannons, music and lots for visitors to see and do. The yachts are due to return from their race from Wednesday 26th April onwards. http://www.irelandchallenge.com |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 21 April 2006 ) |
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