Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta

FOUR DAY REGATTA DRAWS THOUSANDS TO DUBLIN BAY

- Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta set to be one of Ireland’s biggest participant sporting events -

3,000 sailors in 500 boats from 12 countries sailing in 25 classes on 9 race courses will take to Dublin Bay next Thursday (12th) for the start of the four-day Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta.

Running until Sunday (15th), the Regatta is (after the large mini-marathons) the single biggest participant sports event in the country, requiring the services of 280 volunteers on and off the water, as well as top international race officers and an international jury representing 5 countries.


TP52 Island Fling (Copyright Louay Habib)

The main attraction is undoubtedly the appearance of four Super Zero class yachts, with Colm Barrington’s TP52 ‘Flash Glove’ expected to head the ‘big boat’ fleet, while at the other end of the technology scale, the traditional clinker-built Water Wags will compete fiercely in either Scotsman’s Bay or the Harbour, depending on the weather.

With 38 entries, the new Laser SB3s are set to make a major impact although the White Sail Class 5 almost rivals them numerically. The Fireball is the biggest dinghy class with 27 entries while there are 25 entries for the Ecover Half Ton Classics Cup (which starts two days earlier on Tuesday 10th and is then incorporated into the Regatta). Cullen/Bourke from Howth in ‘King One’ represent one of the best hopes of local success in an event that is usually dominated by French or Belgian boats.

Class 0 is expected to the most hotly contested, if the recent Scottish Series and Sovereign’s Cup are any indication. Three Cork boats – Jump Juice (C&D Phelan), Antix Dubh (Anthony O’Leary) and Blondie (Eamonn Rohan) should lead the charge for honours there.

David Baddeley, Managing Director, Volvo Car Ireland, said; “The countdown is now on, for the start of one of the most highly anticipated events on the Irish sailing calendar, The Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2007. The event will ensure a great day out for all of the family and is a superb chance to showcase Dun Laoghaire to people from across the country, and indeed the world. Volvo Car Ireland is delighted to be sponsoring the Dun Laoghaire Regatta and we are looking forward to seeing some outstanding sailing. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish all of the participants the very best of luck – for a safe and action packed Regatta."