SAILING: PROSPECTS OF a large turn-out for this summer's Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta are proving resistant to the economic negativity, as current entry-levels are ahead of previous years.
Organisers are predicting a fleet in excess of 500 boats for the four-day event that gets under way on July 9th.
The issue of the White Sails class at the event appears to be nearing resolution with a twin-track solution under active consideration.
It now seems likely two divisions will be included in the regatta, one for White Sails as defined by the 40-strong local class, while a second “non-spinnaker class” will follow the established Irish Cruiser Racing Association (Icra) definition.
The local fleet has insisted that a proper white-sails means no high-tech material is used in the sail-cloth, while the accepted Icra recommendation is that any sails can be used other than spinnakers.
The Dún Laoghaire Regatta would also include use of the progressive Echo handicapping as per the Icra recommendations. The settlement is part of the steps being taken to ensure a healthy size of fleet at the event.
“If you take out the half-tonners that we had last time, we’re ahead on last time,” said organising chairman Phil Smith. “We also have a big discount on entries until May 3rd – that’s €250 for a 10-metre boat, that then goes to €375 after the deadline.”
Actual entries are around 101 boats, up 10 per cent on 2007.
“We’re fairly confident that even with the turn-down in the economy we’ll still have a strong turn-out,” he told The Irish Times. “I’d put out my neck and say that entries will pass the 500 mark.”
Entries are also strong for Icra’s annual national championships that will be sailed away from the Cork-Dublin axis for the first-time when Tralee Bay Sailing Club plays hosts to the series at Fenit next month.
Schull is rapidly emerging as a centre-piece of youth sailing, not least because of the sport is included on the Community College’s curriculum and the regular training event for junior classes. Next week sees 80 of the country’s most promising sailors descend on the West Cork venue together with their support crews for the annual ISA Youth Nationals and Junior Pathway championships.
Topping the billing will be Philip Doran, who is the reigning Under-17 Laser 4.7 World champion, but with strong competition from Ross Vaughan, Oliver Loughead and Chris Penny.
Racing will be for Laser Radials, Laser 4.7s and 420 in the youth classes, while the juniors will sail in Topper and Optimist single-handed dinghies as well as the double-handed Feva.
Meanwhile, Irish Water Safety have issued a reminder for the thousands of people who will enjoy Ireland’s waterways this Bank Holiday weekend. Hazards associated with spring tides and water temperatures averaging 10 degrees will increase the risk of water-related accidents and tragedies that contribute to the average of 158 deaths from drowning annually.
If someone is seen in difficulty in the water, phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. Don’t assume someone else will make the call. Wearing a properly serviced life-jacket (with a crotch-strap) will significantly reduce the risk of drowning.
branigan@indigo.ie
