OVER 400 boats and 2,500 competitors will be taking to the waters of Dublin Bay this summer as they compete in one of the biggest sailing events in the country.
From Thursday, July 6 to Sunday 9, the bay will be covered in sails as the Southside hosts the seventh edition of the 2017 Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta (VDLR).
This biennial fixture, which is organised by the four Dun Laoghaire waterfront yacht clubs (the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, the National Yacht Club, the Royal Irish Yacht Club and the Royal St George Yacht Club was launched last week at the Maritime Museum in Dun Laoghaire.
Over the four days in early July yachts from all four coasts of Ireland will compete with those from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, as well as with locals from all four Dun Laoghaire-based yacht clubs.
David Lovegrove, President of the Irish Sailing Association (ISA) said the regatta is now firmly established in Ireland’s major sporting calendar.
“It is the biggest participant sporting event in the country, after the city marathons,” he said.
“We are also proud that the VDLR continues to grow and build upon Ireland’s international reputation as a quality sports and sailing destination.
“In addition, local area businesses will benefit considerably from the influx of visitors as they enjoy the superb sailing action in Dublin Bay and the fantastic array of family oriented activities that have been set up on shore.”
This year there will be a Classics division in VDLR 2017 comprising a ‘Kingstown 200’ Anniversary Cup as part of the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Bicentenary Festival that is running from July 6 to 9.
Tim Goodbody, the Chairman of VDLR 2017, added: “The VDLR owes its prominence in European sailing events to a number of factors.
“One of the core attributes to attracting so many entrants is that it is one of the least expensive sailing events in Europe, thanks to generous sponsorship and support.
“We also have more than 300 volunteers who give their time and energy to ensure the regatta runs smoothly, as well as the active cooperation of local area businesses and the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.
“And of course the support from the thousands of visitors who come to watch the spectacle and take part in all the family oriented activities.”
Mr Goodbody added: “In addition the regatta brings a significant amount to the local economy. The average expenditure per competitor of €60 per day means that 2,500 competitors will spend €600,000 for the four-day event.”