Dún Laoghaire welcomes World Sailing Championships

THE eagerly awaited ‘KBC Laser Radial Worlds’ (Youth and Men’s 2016 World Championships) has got underway in Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

A total of 350 ‘sailor-athletes’ from 48 nations including competitors from Italy, UK, France, Australia, Spain and as far away as Hong Kong, Argentina, Russia, and Singapore will be in action on the water for six days of competitive racing.  

The youth worlds are seen as a testing ground for the next generation of Olympians aiming to compete in the Laser Olympic Class dinghy in Toyko 2020 so the ‘KBC Laser Radial Worlds’ is a huge draw attracting some of the biggest and brightest sailing stars of the future from around the world.  The 40-strong Irish squad will face stiff competition from the visiting nations.

The event offers a significant economic boost for Dún Laoghaire worth €2.5m to the local economy and organisers hope this huge sporting occasion will put Dún Laoghaire Harbour firmly on the map as an International sailing destination. Over  1,000 supporters and volunteers will be mobilised throughout the week to assist organisers and competitors.

The Royal St George Yacht Club and the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company are jointly hosting the championship with close support from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Fáilte Ireland and sponsors, KBC Bank and Rationel.

This is the first time this world championship will be sailed in Irish waters, following Canada in 2015 and Poland in 2014.  

Pat Watt, Director of Retail Distribution, KBC Bank Ireland sponsors of the Championship said: “We are delighted to sponsor this world-class sailing event and support Ireland’s young sailors.   We wish everyone every success and safe sailing for what promises to be a great sporting occasion.”

David Kelly, Chairman of the KBC Laser Radial Worlds, added: “It is a tremendous boost for the harbour and the town to host an event of this calibre with all the positive spin-offs it has for the area.  We are expecting some exciting action on the water and we encourage as many people as possible to come out and support the Irish team.”

Eithne Scott-Lennon, Chairperson, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company said: “We believe Dún Laoghaire Harbour can become a marine and leisure amenity of international calibre and what better way to do this than to showcase our amazing harbour to delegations from 48 nations from across the globe.”

Jennifer Churchward, Manager Event Ireland, Fáilte Ireland said, “Fáilte Ireland is delighted to champion this great event to demonstrate the uniqueness of Dublin’s coastline activities in offering memorable experiences for our overseas visitors.”