Irish sailor Pat Lawless has departed from Crosshaven in County Cork on his mission to become the first Irish person to sail around the world non-stop as part of the Golden Globe Race.

The Golden Globe Race 2022 will begin on September 4 when 18 sailors depart Les Sables-d’Olonne and aim to sail solo, non-stop around the world, via the five Great Capes and return to Les Sables-d’Olonne. Pat has named his boat - Green Rebel. Once he leaves Crosshaven he will head to Spain to take part in the prologue race before the main event. This is a 280-mile course that will lead the sailors from Gijón to the port of Sables d’Olonne for the start of the Golden Globe Race.

Pat said: “I cannot wait to get started and I want to thank everyone for their support so far. I am really looking forward to the race and making Ireland proud. Thank you to all my sponsors and to Green Rebel for their support. Myself and my boat, which is called Green Rebel, will be at the start line in France in September and we will be flying the flag for Ireland.”