On the 28th of august 2007 we (Phillip Fitzgibbon and co pilot Mike Shanahan)set the first and only official record around ireland in my 7.5 modified tornado hull powered by 250hp Suzuki in 19 hours 13 minutes and 16 seconds.
It has been ratified by John Puddifoot, powerboat racing manger of the RYA. The reason the RYA ratified the record is that officilly, the RYA governed the republic of Ireland until this year, 2008. The ISA (Irish sailing association) is now officilly over power boating records in Ireland.The man to contact in the ISA is Denis Dillon, his email is
denis.dillon@sailing.ie. In the April/May 2008 edition of the Afloat magazine there was a five page article on the record that I hold, should anybody be interested in reading it. There was a photo of the official certificate from the RYA signed by princess Anne (The president of the RYA) I have been told that it can take time for UIM to process the paperwork. Hope this clears up any confusion regarding official records held for the around Ireland record.
Before my trip the holder, as far as i know, was Garth Henry, Portrush in 21hours 54 mins official or not, it still was the record in my eyes.
Mike Shanahan is preparing to have a stab at it this coming season in his own 8.5m Valentia rib powered by twin 300 e-tec
800 miles is alot different than 200miles at a time, no hotels, no sleep, no breaks at
40.96mph average not bad for a small rib with realistic horse power
Best of luck to any body thinking of undertaking such a challenge
hope to see you on the tide some day
Phillip Fitzgibbon