The crews competing in the Clipper 07-08 round the world race are making the most of their last day in Cork before the start of the final leg of the round the world race tomorrow.

The ten boats are moored at the Royal Cork Yacht Club, and the compound is empty at present as the crews make the most of their brief visit to Ireland. Some are taking day trips to kiss the Blarney Stone, others are enjoying the best of the area’s famous stout while the rest carry out last minute repairs or simply relax before the race starts at noon tomorrow.

The forecast is looking somewhat mixed at present, with windless zones predicted for the Irish Sea on Thursday evening and Friday. Nonetheless, all the boats should sail into Liverpool on Saturday morning, having finished off Bar End buoy in the early morning.

Race Director Joff Bailey explains the course. “To ensure that the Clipper yachts finish at a suitable time the Race Office will be using a combination of a ‘fixed duration race’ with an ‘elastic’ race course. The ‘elastic’ course means that marks can be added into or taken out of the race course so that length of the course can be adjusted to the wind conditions and the teams will finish at a reasonable time on Saturday morning in preparation for the welcome home celebrations.”

YM’s Geoff Pack Scholar, Ben Meakins, is on boardGlasgow: Scotland with Style, at present lying in third place. He hopes to send updates from on board during the race.

Large crowds are expected to watch the finish – and you can find out what’s happening where and when on the Clipper website