Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta Returns
Ireland’s biggest sailing event returns to Dún Laoghaire for the seventh time, and is featured as a key event in the Harbour’s bicentenary celebrations.
Over 400 boats and 2,500 competitors are expected to compete in Dublin Bay over from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th July.
The event was officially launched last Wednesday at the Maritime Museum, and is organised by Dún Laoghaire’s four waterfront yacht clubs; the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club (DMYC), the National Yacht Club (NYC), the Royal Irish Yacht Club (RIYC) and the Royal St George Yacht Club (RSGYC). It is expected to attract sailors from Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, and England.
Left to Right: David Thomas (Managing Director, Volvo Cars Ireland), Don O’Dowd, David Lovegrove (President, Irish Sailing Association), Councillor Cormac Devlin (An Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council), Tim Goodbody (Chairperson, Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta), and Alan Moore (Spirit Motor Group)
Speaking in advance of the the launch event, Tim Goodbody, Chairman, VDLR 2017 said “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, so providing great value for money for all in the lovely waters of Dublin Bay” .
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 in and around Dun Laoghaire.”
“In addition the Regatta 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” added Tim Goodbody.
Most notably 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..
A monument on the Dún Laoghaire sea front commemorates the first stone of the eastern pier laid by his Excellency Charles Earl Whitworth Lord Lieutenant General and General Governor of Ireland on 31st May 1817, and the visit of King George IV in 1821 (Asylum Harbour of Dunleary was named Kingstown in 1821 and renamed Dun Laoghaire in 1920).
For more info on the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta or to register visit: www.dlregatta.org
