The prospect of moderate to strong westerly winds, forcing a long beat to Tory made for a reduced fleet and a high attrition rate on this year’s outing. Four boats crossed the starting line on Saturday morning. Faustina and later Hi Spirit retired and returned to port. Niamh & Viking Lord pushed on. Agonisingly Niamh was forced to retire in Tory Sound with a broken steering cable. She made it safely into Tory and was able to returned to Fahan the next day.
Viking Lord crossed the finishing Line after 12 hours 41 mins. Also joining the fleet on Tory were Crusin’ & Bonaventure. Social activity was more subdued than previous years but the crews enjoyed good hospitality and craic with the islanders.