Yachts from Royal North of Ireland and Royal Ulster YC will retrace the voyage of their Victorian counterparts to mark the 125th anniversary of the first ever Dublin bay race in July. Already the Belfast Lough fleet of 14 RS Elite keelboats are signed up for the four-day event.
Entry forms have been sent to Northern Ireland clubs including Belfast's Royal Ulster Yacht Club in Bangor from where some of the first boats departed.
During the long hot summer of 1884, yachts sailed south from Belfast Lough to take part in the annual nautical week at Kingstown, now Dun Laoghaire. Organisers are keen to promote the Victorian link between the two cities again and as well as the polishing the old trophies they are also offering special entry incentives for Belfast competitors given currency fluctuations.
"There are strong sailing ties between Belfast and our Dun Laoghaire clubs and we want to mark this special occasion in July" said Phil Smith, regatta chairman.
For more information, please contact the event secretary at [email protected]
