Team Pulsar Racing in our purpose built Humber Quinquari 10m RIB "Milwaukee Seawolf" departed the Mizen Head recently heading for the Mizen Head. Complicated isn't it. Ireland's most southerly point and some might say most beautiful (me mostly) was the start for our Round Ireland record attempt, and the finish.
In planning for nearly a year and in a field for about the last 4 months "Milwaukee Seawolf" had waited patiently for a suitable weather window. Finally on the 11th of September 2009 the crew decided today was the day. That, and motivated by boredom, adrenalin, and a few bulky Kerrymen we got ready to go. The weather gods had deigned to deliver a high pressure, and Denis Dillon the official UIM record keeper had agreed to come down and help us time the event.
"Remember lads" Denis said; "It's 704 nautical miles (not them road miles) and IT'S outside all the Islands and Rocks of the Island of Ireland except Rockall 'cause nobody knows who owns that" he emphasised loudly. He went on to instruct "When the clock starts it stops again when we see you coming other way passed the Mizen Head again, clear".
The only one not shaking at this stage was Greg as he is in the Army and used to this shouting.
September 11th 2009, not an auspicious date considering the memories associated gave us pause for thougth and spurred us on. We spent all of the day before fine tuning everything and taking care of last minute details like petrol for instance. On that note we managed to set the world record for the most petrol every bought at Denny O'Meara's Pub in Goleen the evening before. Much to the amusement of the locals outside we spent over 40 minutes filling the tank with 1400 litres of fuel. "take it from the other pump" Laura instructed, "We might run out" she said.
Time to go. Greg arrived in from London on the late flight on Thursday evening and promptly went to bed where Stan and I already were. Sleep was difficult but we managed to grab a few hours and then heard the alarm at 1am for us all to get up. We hoped we had everything covered and headed for Crookhaven and out to the Mizen. Passing Denis' transit we started at exactly 3am and headed south west towards Kerry head in the dark.
19 hours and 9 minutes later we crossed the line again to much relief from all concerned. The hours in between are for another story which I will write shortly.
We took the now famous Kerry record by 4 minutes and set a new Irish and UIM World record for circumnavigation of Ireland and all the bloody rocks in a powerboat.
Thanks to all concerned, Our families, Der, Denis, Sean up north, Emma and Dermot in Crook, Denny & family in Goleen, Our Sponsors and above all our Crew. More to follow.
Regards,
Mac.
In planning for nearly a year and in a field for about the last 4 months "Milwaukee Seawolf" had waited patiently for a suitable weather window. Finally on the 11th of September 2009 the crew decided today was the day. That, and motivated by boredom, adrenalin, and a few bulky Kerrymen we got ready to go. The weather gods had deigned to deliver a high pressure, and Denis Dillon the official UIM record keeper had agreed to come down and help us time the event.
"Remember lads" Denis said; "It's 704 nautical miles (not them road miles) and IT'S outside all the Islands and Rocks of the Island of Ireland except Rockall 'cause nobody knows who owns that" he emphasised loudly. He went on to instruct "When the clock starts it stops again when we see you coming other way passed the Mizen Head again, clear".
The only one not shaking at this stage was Greg as he is in the Army and used to this shouting.
September 11th 2009, not an auspicious date considering the memories associated gave us pause for thougth and spurred us on. We spent all of the day before fine tuning everything and taking care of last minute details like petrol for instance. On that note we managed to set the world record for the most petrol every bought at Denny O'Meara's Pub in Goleen the evening before. Much to the amusement of the locals outside we spent over 40 minutes filling the tank with 1400 litres of fuel. "take it from the other pump" Laura instructed, "We might run out" she said.
Time to go. Greg arrived in from London on the late flight on Thursday evening and promptly went to bed where Stan and I already were. Sleep was difficult but we managed to grab a few hours and then heard the alarm at 1am for us all to get up. We hoped we had everything covered and headed for Crookhaven and out to the Mizen. Passing Denis' transit we started at exactly 3am and headed south west towards Kerry head in the dark.
19 hours and 9 minutes later we crossed the line again to much relief from all concerned. The hours in between are for another story which I will write shortly.
We took the now famous Kerry record by 4 minutes and set a new Irish and UIM World record for circumnavigation of Ireland and all the bloody rocks in a powerboat.
Thanks to all concerned, Our families, Der, Denis, Sean up north, Emma and Dermot in Crook, Denny & family in Goleen, Our Sponsors and above all our Crew. More to follow.
Regards,
Mac.
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