All at sea for the Dun Laoghaire Regatta

THE blue waters off the Southside coast became a sea of boats last weekend as the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta (VDLR) sailed into town.

A bewildering array of sailing craft of all shapes and sizes stretched across the horizon for the hugely popular event that is held every two years.

Over 2,500 competitors from all over Ireland and Great Britain took to the Irish Sea in a blaze of colour on nearly 400 craft.

For Dun Laoghaire it was a major boost to the town and added to the 250 boats from all over the world that have already visited the port over the last four months.

Over 120 boats from outside Dublin Bay were taking part in the Regatta, which is expected to pump

?¬600,000 into the local economy.

The biggest sailing event in the country runs over four days every two years.

Adam Winkelmann, VDLR chairman said:

“We have been running this Regatta every two years since 2005 and over that period of time have only seen a 7.5 per cent decrease in entries, which is not that dramatic considering the state of the economy.

“The Regatta also brings a significant amount to the local economy. Using the Irish tourism multiplier, the average expenditure per competitor will be

?¬60 per day which for 2,500 competitors will be

?¬150,000 per day and

?¬600,000 for the four day event.

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Tánaiste, and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, said the Dun Laoghaire Regatta was a wonderful event.

“It always builds an exciting atmosphere in Dun Laoghaire and its surrounding areas,

? he said.

“It is fantastic that so many competitors and spectators visit Dun Laoghaire, and enjoy the top class facilities and amenities.

“This influx of visitors will have much wider benefits for businesses in the area, with restaurants, shops, and accommodation providers sure to benefit.

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