The race is due to start from Dublin City Moorings on April 22, 2006, and will feature five identical 72 foot yachts, racing around Ireland, non-stop, from Dublin to Dublin.
The 16 crew will be made up of men and women from all walks of life, with nearly three-quarters of the crew having never sailed before starting their training.
The Ireland Challenge is spearheaded by the legendary yachtsman, Sir Chay Blyth and his company, Challenge Business.
The Spencer Dock Development Company (a consortium made up of Treasury Holdings, CIE and Harry Crosbie) will be the principal Irish sponsor, sponsoring one of five yachts. The yacht - ‘Spencer Dock’ - has been named after the biggest and most ambitious urban regeneration project in Ireland's history.
Located on the Liffey waterfront and adjacent to the world renowned International Financial Services Centre, the 52-acre Spencer Dock development is becoming a sought after location for Irish and international business.
On completion, it will include the proposed National Conference Centre, luxury waterside apartments, distinctive offices, retail outlets, a linear park and local amenities for leisure activities based at the heart of Dublin’s new central business district.
Robert Tincknell, group deputy managing director, Treasury Holdings, said: “This event will provide a great platform to raise awareness of Dublin as a vibrant cultural and business location on both an international and national level.”
