Mercedes-Benz Ireland in company with the MSL group of dealerships is giving sponsorship support to Ireland's first ever entry in the Vendee Globe Challenge sailing race.

The 29,000-nautical mile, round-the-world event begins and finishes in the French Atlantic coast resort of Les Sables d’Olonne starting November 6th next.

Described as the ‘hardest’ race in the world, participants sail non-stop from east to west, following a course that will take them via the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Horn and the Western Australia headland, Cape Leeuwin.

Carrying Irish hopes will be the 60ft monohull vessel ‘Kilcullen Voyager’ skippered by round-the-world yachtsman, businessman and adventurer, Enda O’Coineen - one of 29 skippers taking part in the race. 

In addition to boat, clothing and website branding, Mercedes-Benz and MSL involvement will include the sponsoring of a primary school educational programme through which children can plot the progress of the race on a fun map using live tracking, weekly videos and fun lesson plans.

The sponsorship marks Mercedes-Benz and MSL’s second foray into sailing in recent times. Their previous involvement was seen in their support of Ireland's Olympic Silver medal winner, Annalise Murphy during her preparations for the recent Rio Olympic Games.