The Etchells World Championship starts at Howth Yacht Club on Monday (23rd August) with 43 boats from nine countries confirmed to contest the 9-race series.

Some of the world's top sailors, including Olympic medallists and former World Champions, will be in action in the event supported by the Fingal County Council, Dublin Tourism and the Irish Sports Council. Over 130 Etchells sailors will participate and in addition to the 12 Irish boats which qualified for the event, entries have been received from Australia, USA, UK, Holland, Italy, Singapore, Bermuda and the Bahamas.

Among the overseas entries are America's Cup winner John Bertrand from Melbourne; last year's runner-up Damien King from Sandringham YC, Australia; former US Rolex Sailor of the Year Jud Smith from Marblehead; US Winter Series winner Marvin Beckmann from Houston; and Argyle Campbell from Newport Harbour.

Fifteen of the overseas entries participated in last weekend's Irish National Championships, sponsored by Euro Car Parks, to familiarise themselves with the Howth waters, with former World Champion Peter McNeill from Sydney, Australia winning the title ahead of Britain's Julia Bailey. Ireland's top qualifier, Dan O'Grady and his crew from Howth, finished 3rd overall.