The countdown has begun for this year’s Round Ireland Yacht Race where NUI Galway is supporting the first ever university-backed entry into the 1400km race. Ten NUI Galway students and graduates will be on the start line in Wicklow this Sunday, 24 June.

The race is a non-stop circumnavigation of Ireland by sea and will take anything from anything from four to six days. The NUI Galway crew is one of the youngest teams to ever compete in the event. Sailing together in the NUI Galway sailing club over the past few years has built up the trust and camaraderie which they will rely on during the race. The team have loaned a 38-ft racing yacht for the race.

The past few months have been very busy for the NUI Galway crew says skipper Cathal Clarke: “We have been following a tough training plan, attending safety courses and getting professional coaching. We recently competed in our first offshore race as a crew across the Irish Sea from Wales to Wicklow and were very happy with a second place result. The aims of this campaign are high, with a lot of experienced sailors on board; we will certainly be looking for good results.”

Pat Morgan, Vice-President for the Student Experience at NUI Galway, said: “The determination and drive of this crew is to be admired, especially given that they are one of the youngest crews to participate in the race. They have worked very hard and displayed incredible determination and dedication over recent months in their preparation for the race. The University actively promotes leadership and team building skills and is delighted to support this crew to further develop these attributes as they compete in the Round Ireland Race. We wish them every success.”

37 boats have entered this prestigious race from Ireland, the UK and Europe. Entries include previous race winners Tonnerre de Breskens 3 and Volvo Ocean Race entrant Green Dragon.

Cillian McGovern, project manager of Green Dragon commented: "The camaraderie and team work displayed by this young NUI Galway team is to be admired. What an opportunity to freshen up the sailing circuit in Ireland!”

The NUI Galway team is very proud to be supported by Dubarry, Lifes2good, SF Engineering, Celtic Linen, Meteogroup Offshore, Cadbury's, Michael Durkan (Mayo Sailing Club), Rory Casey (Mayo Sailing Club), Galway Bay Sailing Club and the West of Ireland Offshore Racing Association.

The Round Ireland Race begins on Sunday, 24 June 2012 in Wicklow town. The NUI Galway crew’s progress can be followed on the live race tracker online at www.roundirelandyachtrace.ie.

ENDS