PARTICIPANTS from as many as 30 nations are expected to attend a major sailing event in July 2016 that will be hosted by the Royal St George Yacht Club (RSGYC) in Dun Laoghaire.
Ireland has been selected as the venue for the 2016 Laser Radial Youth World Championships and the 2016 Laser Radial Men’s World Championships that will bring hundreds of competitors to the seaside town.
The two events will be hosted from July 23 to 30 by the RSGYC, International Laser Class Association (ILCA) and the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company.
The announcement was made by Jeff Martin, Executive Secretary of the World Council of the ILCA and London 2012 Race Officer.
“Our decision to select Ireland, and Dun Laoghaire in particular, over other competing international destinations stemmed from the professional approach shown by both organisers and town, combined with the superb venue that has a reputation for consistently delivering top class sailing events,” Mr Martin said.
“These events, in particular, will provide an important impetus to the continuing development of youth sailing in Ireland.
“The awarding of World Championships is taken very seriously by the International Laser Class Association, and Dun Laoghaire should be proud to be following on the heels of Canada in 2015 and Poland in 2014 to host this prestigious event.”
Justin McKenna, Commodore of RSGYC, said they were looking forward to welcoming the competitors, their families and support teams to Dun Laoghaire next summer.
“We will be working closely with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, the local business community and sponsors to prepare for this event which we expect will bring significant economic benefits to our community as well as providing excitement and fun to competitors and spectators alike,” he said.
“An official launch will be held later this year to announce detailed plans for the championships”.
The Laser is a singlehanded Olympic class boat for both men and women and is sailed at national and international levels. With over 200,000 boats in 140 countries, it is the world’s most popular adult and youth racing sailboat.