Sonas arrives back in Kinsale 0630 Thurs

Sonas arrived back in Kinsale at 0630 this morning Thursday 19th August.
A very slow last 12 hours with head winds all the way, however the crew were in great form when they arrived at the marina.

Thanks to all the supporters, sponsors, and well wishers. A special thank you to the Irish Coast Guard Service and Belfast Coastguard for tracking the progress of Sonas's position through the challenge.

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On the Home Stretch

Having passed Tuskar Rock earlier this morning the crew of the Round Ireland Challenge are on the home stretch. With just under a hundred nautical miles to go we should be expecting the boat in this evening, with the trip completed in a little over six days.

The boat will arrive just in time for three of the crew, Ben, James and Dave to collect their Leaving Cert results and celebrate both moving onto college and the completion of the Challenge.

Good luck to everyone else getting their results today, and to the crew in the final hours of this tremendous voyage.

Wednesday morning Challenge passes Carnsore Point

Rounding the last corner in the challenge, Sonas at Carnsore Point 0700 Wednesday.
 Now on the last leg of the nonstop sail around Ireland. 
If conditions hold the crew expects to arrive in Kinsale at 2200 to night.
All well on board

Round Ireland Challenge now past Arklow 20.30 Tuesday

A misty and wet start to the day,
Boat sailed an average of over ten knots between Carlingford Lough and a little while after Dublin Bay. Off Arklow wind now on the nose. The crew, and the weather forecast are hopeful of a nice westerly wind tomorrow.

If so, they reckon they could possibly do Tuskar to Kinsale in about eighteen hours.
Skipper Ben Fusco estimates the boat will arrive in Kinsale at 22.00 on Wednesday
Everyone is still in good health and good spirits, and I'm told they're all eating well.

We will keep you posted on arrival time

Sonas passes Malin Head

Monday 16th August,
What a day on the water, Malin Head to Cushendun in 12 hours.
"Its great craic under spinnaker" says Katy.
Sonas is now heading south again.

All happy on board.

Sonas Passes Galway Bay

The boat passed Galway Bay just over an hour ago, having travelled a distance of just over 220 nautical miles. The sailors report good weather yesterday and today with little cloud cover causing night time temperatures lower than expected.


To counter this, onboard chef Tessa provided the crew with a well received full Irish breakfast this morning.

Little wind on the West coast means slow progress fort the boat, but with the spinnaker up the crew are making the most of the fine weather and beautiful coastline.

Photographs to follow shortly.

Round Ireland Challenge Begins

The Crew of Sonas set off on their Round Ireland Challenge on Thurs 12th August 16.30.

A large crowd gathered to give a send off to the youth sailors who have set off on the sail to raise funds for the charity Mercy Ships.

Under spinnaker the crew were escorted to the old head by a flotilla of local boats including the life boat.
Over the next 5 to 7 days the crew will sail non stop around Ireland.
Watch here for their progress

Thurs 16.30 Depart Kinsale

Fri 14.00 Valentia Island

Round Ireland Challenge sets off Thursday 12th August


Sea trials completed ( 170 miles overnight, Kinsale - Minehead - Glandore - Kinsale).

The boat is provisioned....

Good luck to all the crew.

Wave them off with us on Thursday from the Marina in Kinsale at 16.30

Follow the progress of this Charity Sail here on the website

Support the Mercy Ships Charity by donating on line