Southside sets sail for watersports weekend

WATERSPORTS clubs and training centres from Dublin to Galway and Donegal to Cork are joining forces to offer a host of free activities for children, teenagers and adults across the country.

Sail Spree, an initiative developed by the Irish Sailing Association (ISA) three years ago to encourage people of all ages out on to the water, will run from May 3-5 in over 25 venues around the country.

There will be various free sailing, windsurfing and powerboating experiences on offer over the May Bank holiday.

Many clubs will also provide plenty of entertainment back on dry land with BBQs, demonstrations and talks across a range of different topics.

Punters will also get a chance to meet club members and find out how easy it really is to get involved in watersports.

ISA Chief Executive Harry Hermon stated:

“We want local communities to come together over the bank holiday, have fun, and discover why tens of thousands of people in Ireland are already avid sailors.

“Our coastline and lakes are envied across the world and provide us with unlimited capabilities for recreation.

“We hope that opening our doors for Sail Spree will encourage more people to try something new and exciting that’s available right on their doorstep

?.

The Southside will be leading the way with Dun Laoghaire Harbour buzzing with Sail Spree events being run by the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, the Irish National Sailing School and the Royal St George Yacht Club.

On offer will be various ways to enjoy yourself in or on the water, including sailing in a yacht, keelboat or dinghy, going for a ride in rigid-inflatable powerboat (RIB), stand-up paddle boarding and skiff rowing.

To book your free place or find out more about Sail Spree events in your area go to the Sail Spree website www.sailspree.ie.