Sailing Solo record attemptsRound Ireland fever is well and truly under way this year, almost 12 months ahead of next June's 704-mile classic offshore race. But this circumnavigation is not the fully-crewed biennial adventure but a veritable outbreak of single-handed record attempts.
The latest was launched this week with next Tuesday expected to mark the start of a weather countdown for course veteran Capt Mick Liddy on a Beneteau 40.7 specially configured for short-handed sailing. The Air Corps pilot is on stand-by to begin the attempt thanks to sponsorship from AFA O'Meara Advertising and insurance from Affinity Brokers.
Already this season, two attempts have been staged.
Dave Parker's attempt in May ended in disappointment following a hammering in near gale conditions off the Ulster coast on his north-about attempt.
Almost six weeks ago, Larry Hynes from Galway successfully completed the course but failed to break the record. Sailing a 14.6 metre aluminium sloop, The Killary Flyer met a foul tide and lack of wind on the final approach to the Dún Laoghaire finish.
And the holy grail for these sailors? The World Speed Sailing Record Council's officially recognised solo record set by Britain's Peter Keig of seven days, 10 hours and 24 minutes set in 1981 - after almost a quarter of a century, a newer, faster time must surely be possible.
Liddy knows the route well and was navigator for a previous, fully-crewed record-setting attempt that was subsequently beaten by JP Chomette on CityJet Solune earlier this year with a time of two days, nine hours and 41 minutes. But such speeds will not be available on an especially tough course.
Unlike the ocean races and passage records, circumnavigating Ireland presents a variety of problems for fully crewed yachts, made all the more problematic for the lone yachtsman.
Above all, sleep deprivation is the fundamental challenge and managing rest periods to avoid fatigue is something refined to a fine art by the likes of MacArthur with extensive medical and scientific research supporting fundamental techniques.
Whereas the deep ocean sailor can expect to sail for hundreds of miles without fear of meeting other traffic, the Irish coastline is quite the opposite.
Liddy's strategy reflects much of the established experience that builds short periods of rest, about 20 minutes followed by checking the boat, navigation and manoeuvres and before setting the alarm, checking the horizon for possible hazards.
Longer legs such as the west coast that will clear land by as much as 60 miles present more stable opportunities - weather permitting - for consistent rest periods.
Inshore stages such as crossing bays will be tougher. One failsafe measure included is a satellite phone that will be in constant use by his shore team led by Comdt. Tom O'Connor, his Air Corps colleague, who has skippered a BT Global Challenge yacht previously.
The safety measures highlight the on-going debate surrounding the clash between solo sailing and the International Collision Regulations (COLREGS) that require all vessels to keep watch at all times while at sea.
Squeezing watch-keeping duties into compliance with the COLREGS comes down to the wire but the success and safe track-record of high-profile events in the past is cited by defenders of the sport.
