01 - White Rooster (J Donegan): Jim Donegan's Hustler 36 from the Royal Cork YC knows the course backwards and is always first to enter.

02 - Moonduster (D Doyle): The last IOR record holder. The veteran skipper is a feature of the race and "the 'Duster" will be a benchmark yacht.

03 - Errislannan (P Kirwan): With surprisingly few Sigma 38 entries, this immaculate yacht and its experienced owner must be a favourite for this class.

04 - Keep On Smiling (T Little): There are, however, more Sigma 400s, and this Welsh entry has a highly experienced offshore racing crew.

05 - Amazing Grace (G Hogan): This Oyster 37 is part of a strong Kinsale contingent that seems to always collect the team prize.

06 - Aquelina (J Tyrell): A regular Arklow entrant. Local knowledge in the early stages of the race could provide an edge in the Sigma 400 class.

07 - Janey Mac II (A Lee): Another regular and highly experienced skipper, though suffering from losing key crewmen to another specially chartered boat.

08 - Galliver II (G McConneville): An unknown quantity in the Sigma 38 class but light winds could produce a tactical race. One to watch.

09 - Bato (R Monson): One of just two northern boats in the race, but a candidate for the Sigma 38 class nevertheless.

10 - Wave Sweeper (D Lee): This Liverpool-based Swan 46 is another unknown but, with a good handicap, it could threaten.

11 - Imp (G Radley): One of the most famous Irish offshore yachts and the last of a generation, this yacht is still a potent force under George Radley and a key part of the Kinsale team.

12 - Ragtime (G Whittaker): Not the first time round for the English crew and could make 1998 their year.

13 - Bridgestone F1 (M Slade): This maxi will be locked in a major duel against its smaller Whitbread rival. A thoroughbred yacht with a serious crew, with Irish Times journalist Johnny Waterson reporting from on-board through out the race.

14 - Interlink Express/Today FM (T Forsyth/J Lalor): Originally the 1989 Admiral's Cupper Mean Machine, the crew includes several of the original Janey Mac II team, with several Kiwis for good measure.

15 - Panda Nova II (M Bendon): This Sigma 38 is entered for Glandore Harbour SC. Local knowledge will be particularly useful if the wind stays light and the fleet has a beat to the Fastnet.

16 - Jackdaw (D Walters): Another returning visitor. This J120 can be expected at least to be up with the leading mid-sized boats.

17 - Army New Age Services (O Grey): A first-time entry for the Army Sailing Club in a proven and competitive CHS boat (aka Sarah J).

18 - Norvantes (J McGowan): This Camper & Nicholson 48 is another regular. The increased focus towards lighter boats has seen many of its former companions fall by the wayside.

19 - Flyover (J & J Blair): One of the hardier boats in this Sigma 33. Almost the smallest entry in the race, as the swing towards bigger mid-sized boats continues.

20 - Sunday Times (T O'Connor): A new design and already proven, O'Connor won the Sigma 38 class last time out with a raw Air Corps crew. Watch for surprises.

21 - Cracklin' Rosie (R Dickson): Despite a weightier handicap, surely 1998 will be Roy's year? The course is wellknown to all on-board.

22 - Rebel (G Hanley): This Sigma 38 is a key member of the Howth YC team.

23 - Flourishing (R Conway): This Oyster 41 leads the charge for the host's first team in their own race.

24 - Quest (P Gibbons): Another big boat from the south coast, via Paul Gibbons of the RCYC, that cannot form a team due to lack of enough class entries.

25 - ADC Barcode System (A Kingston): This Beneteau 45s5 should prove competitive for the overall handicap win and, therefore, the key to the Kinsale team defence.

26 - Trinculo of Howth (M Fleming): Another one to watch, especially for a class win in the Sigma 400 division. A proven racer in home waters.

27 - Twenty Twenty (D Breen): Fewer entries than last time from Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club, but Don Breen keeps the burgee flying for this year.

28 - Sigmagic (R Dobson): Withdrawn.

29 - Youth Challenge (E McDonald): This X332 is the smallest boat and has the youngest crew, but the crew is proven under Emma McDonald.

30 - Chez Youen (Y Jacob): This J35, a Baltimore entry, is last year's winner and a threat again. Past winner Michael Boyd is on board. Watch out!

31 - Joliba (Rollo & Ryan): An older but capable offshore racer and the second of Wicklow's team.

32 - Chuckawalla (N Conlon): The only west coast entry and well-known on the south coast, this DB1 is a classic offshore racer.

33 - Changeling (K Jameson): Possibly the most experienced Sigma 38 in the race and, under sailmaker Kieran Jameson, the one to watch in this class.

34 - Equity & Law (P Gabriel): Peter Gabriel's Austrian entry, a former Whitbread pre-W60 vintage 60-footer, is back for more.

35 - Mary P (N Prendeville): An unkown quantity but, with the X-boat pedigree, could prove a threat among the smaller boats.

36 - AIB Investment Managers (D Gomes): This IMX 38 is a handicap hopeful, particularly under the ledgendary Dickie Gomes, Ulster's foremost offshore skipper.

37 - Jeep Cherokee (C Barrington): Experienced Whitbread crew under Paul Standbridge, with the capable Brian Matthews navigating. Will be at the front of the pack.

38 - Wicklow Racing (S Greenwood): Barrington's BH41 Surfin' Shoes chartered to Wicklow and easily their best hope for a handicap win.