Tense day ahead as finishing stage to SSE Renewables Round Ireland Race beckons

After more than three days at sea, weather is once again providing the decisive hand in the 705 nautical-mile SSE Renewables Round Ireland Race as the leading boats pass the north coast this evening.

As ever, timing the arrival at the notorious Rathlin Island tidal gate is crucial and the two leading boats appear to have perfected this strategy as both will have six hours and good breeze to aid their transit past the Antrim coast.

Trimaran Paradox3 skippered by Britain's Adam Davis slowed on approach to Malin Head awaiting the turn of the tide which allowed Eric de Turckheim on French entry Teasing Machine to gain ground at speeds of 20 knots.

Barring the unforeseen, both will certainly be claiming line honours victory for the multihull and monohull events respectively on current form.

However, the overall race victory is decided on IRC corrected time and with favourable winds and similar good timing at Rathlin Island, many of the chasing field of 44 boats could be in contention.

Leading the pursuit is Pete Smyth's Searcher from the Royal Irish Yacht Club approaching Eagle Island off the Mayo coast. In turn, American Greg Leonard on Swift has the edge on speed approaching from the south.

Boats further astern will have favourable wind for most of Monday night but light conditions could return on Tuesday and the challenge will be to pass the north coast quickly or risk being becalmed.

For more information and the race tracker please visit roundireland.ie