Connect with us

News

West Kerry man preparing to sail solo arund the world

Published

on

0233588_st_francis_bus_1.jpg

 

Green Rebel will be the main sponsor for sailor Pat Lawless as he attempts to become the first Irish person to sail around the world non-stop as part of the Golden Globe Race.

AROUND THE WORLD: Pictured at the launch of Green Rebel's sponsorship of Pat Lawless' entry for the Golden Globe Race at Kieran Ivers CEO of Green Rebel Pat Lawless and Susie O'Leary of Green Rebel

Around 6,000 people have climbed Everest while 556 people have been to space, but only 100 people have ever sailed solo nonstop around the world via the five great capes.

The Golden Globe Race 2022 will begin on 4th September when 35 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. The sponsorship agreement will see Pat’s boat named Green Rebel.

Pat Lawless, a carpenter and former fisherman from Kerry will be the only Irish competitor in the yacht race. Pat is 66 years of age and has been sailing all his life. Pat is following in the footsteps of his late father (Pat Lawless Snr) who sailed around the world at the age of 70. Pat will also be raising money for The Parkinson's Association of Ireland as part of the race.

Pat said: “This race is a part of sailing history and I cannot wait to get started. There have been 11 solo non-stop sailing races around the world. The first original Golden Globe Race was won by Sir Robert Knox-Johnson, an Englishman. All the other ten races were won by the French. We need to get Ireland on this list. I am delighted that Green Rebel has decided to join me as the main corporate sponsor for this race.”

“While I’m in it to win it, this race is all about survival and arrival and I believe I have the right boat and a better chance of finishing this race than most. I am delighted to have an ambitious, indigenous Irish company like Green Rebel behind me, and I hope I can make them proud.”

CEO of Green Rebel, Kieran Ivers said: “This is a fantastic moment for Ireland as Pat sets out on his adventures. Something like this takes bravery, skill and determination and we are thrilled that Green Rebel can support him as he sets off on the Golden Globe Race. Ireland has the opportunity to be a global leader in the offshore wind sector but it will take ambition and courage to make this happen, values that Pat has in abundance. We are excited to follow his journey as he seeks to do what no Irish person has before.”

Over the course of the Golden Globe Race sailors will circumnavigate 30,000 nautical miles across some of the most dangerous seas in the world. The race is expected to take between 7 and 11 months to complete. The competitors will not be permitted to use modern technology and can only use items that were available in 1968. Pat will navigate by the position of the sun using only a sextant and paper charts. Clocks must be mechanical, and there are no modern luxuries such as GPS, satellite phones, iPads, electrical auto steering and water makers. The competitors will carry all their own food, water, tools, and spare parts for the nine months at sea.

External communication with family friends or support groups will not be allowed for the duration of the race. This is the third time the Golden Globe Race has taken place and in previous years many competitors failed to complete the race.

Advertisement

News

Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

Published

on

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

Continue Reading

News

Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

Published

on

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport