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Wing Regatta Showcases Foiling on Dublin Bay

10th July 2024
Over 60 beginners participated in foiling workshops as part of The Pure Magic Wing Regatta off Dun Laoghaire
Over 60 beginners participated in foiling workshops as part of The Pure Magic Wing Regatta off Dun Laoghaire

The Pure Magic Wing Regatta took place in Dun Laoghaire over the weekend. It featured competitions on Dublin Bay on Friday, July 5th, and Saturday, July 6th.

Wingfoiling in good breeze at Dun Laoghaire's Wing Regatta on Dublin BayWingfoiling in good breeze at Dun Laoghaire's Wing Regatta on Dublin Bay

The event focused on wing foiling, a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of kiteboarding, windsurfing, surfing, and wake sports.

A Wing Regatta competitor passes ILCA dinghies in Seapoint BayA Wing Regatta competitor passes ILCA dinghies in Seapoint Bay

Participants showcased the sport's versatility, using the same board and foil for wake foiling, allowing everyone to enjoy gliding over water at low speeds while being towed by various boats.

The Regatta was inclusive, welcoming both seasoned riders and newcomers with activities such as beginner sessions, intermediate downwind slalom races, expression sessions, pro racing, tech talks, gear demos, and more.

Participants showcased Wingfoiling's versatility, using the same board and foil for wake foilingParticipants showcased Wingfoiling's versatility, using the same board and foil for wake foiling

Over 60 newbies participated in foiling workshops, making the event a success by uniting enthusiasts from Ireland and beyond. Notably, professional rider Noé Canteloup and the ideal weather added to the excitement.

Some of the participants at Salthill, Dun Laoghaire at the 2024 Wing Foil FestivalSome of the participants at Salthill, Dun Laoghaire at the 2024 Wing Foil Festival

The Regatta aimed to promote the sport by connecting newcomers with professionals and fostering its growing popularity. Special thanks were extended to the event partners, and congratulations were given to the competition's winners.

  • 1st Oisin Van Gelderen (IRL) Windfoil
  • 2nd Mica Sacolax (Quebec) Wingfoil
  • 3rd place Lewis Elliot (IRL) Wingfoil
  • Lady champion category: Mary Dowling

Additionally, an ongoing competition has been announced for a chance to win a free AFS wing based on the number of likes received on shared content.

Wingfoil lessons are available for booking at Pure Magic & INSS, and more details about a new club dedicated to safe wing foiling practices in Salthill will be announced soon.

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The Irish National Sailing and Powerboat School is based on Dun Laoghaire's West Pier on Dublin Bay and in the heart of Ireland's marine leisure capital.

Whether you are looking at beginners start sailing course, a junior course or something more advanced in yacht racing, the INSS prides itself in being able to provide it as Ireland's largest sailing school.

Since its establishment in 1978, INSS says it has provided sailing and powerboat training to approximately 170,000 trainees. The school has a team of full-time instructors and they operate all year round. Lead by the father and son team of Alistair and Kenneth Rumball, the school has a great passion for the sport of sailing and boating and it enjoys nothing more than introducing it to beginners for the first time. 

Programmes include:

  • Shorebased Courses, including VHF, First Aid, Navigation
  • Powerboat Courses
  • Junior Sailing
  • Schools and College Sailing
  • Adult Dinghy and Yacht Training
  • Corporate Sailing & Events

History of the INSS

Set up by Alistair Rumball in 1978, the sailing school had very humble beginnings, with the original clubhouse situated on the first floor of what is now a charity shop on Dun Laoghaire's main street. Through the late 1970s and 1980s, the business began to establish a foothold, and Alistair's late brother Arthur set up the chandler Viking Marine during this period, which he ran until selling on to its present owners in 1999.

In 1991, the Irish National Sailing School relocated to its current premises at the foot of the West Pier. Throughout the 1990s the business continued to build on its reputation and became the training institution of choice for budding sailors. The 2000s saw the business break barriers - firstly by introducing more people to the water than any other organisation, and secondly pioneering low-cost course fees, thereby rubbishing the assertion that sailing is an expensive sport.