The Irish Match Racing Association (IMRA) has been established with a clear mission: to promote and cultivate match racing across Ireland. Match racing has been gaining popularity in Dun Laoghaire and other local clubs, but IMRA aims to broaden the sport's reach and make it accessible to a wider audience.
Match racing is a thrilling discipline that demands skill, strategy, and split-second decision-making, pushing even experienced sailors far out of their comfort zones. It's a confrontational, all-or-nothing sport that excites and dazzles onlookers, both sailors and nonsailors alike. IMRA recognises the potential to elevate this dynamic facet of sailing in Ireland further and has been set up to promote match racing at every level of the sport.
At the heart of the IMRA's mission is the ambition to encourage participation, raise standards of competition, and organize events that showcase the excitement of match racing. With more events to supply match racing demand, the hope is to attract others to try it and grow the community of those interested.
The IMRA has already scheduled the Irish Match Racing National Championships to take place on the 11th and 12th of May at the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire Harbour. This championship promises to mark the beginning of a fast-growing match racing community. Sailors from across the country will compete for top honours in tightly contested races.
The inaugural IMRA National Match Racing Championships will be held in Dun Laoghaire Harbour in May and hosted by the National Yacht Club in its Elliot 6 fleet Photo: Afloat
IMRA also aims to engage with clubs, providing resources, guidance, and support to those interested in hosting their own match racing activities. Through this initiative, IMRA hopes to foster match racing and enable more sailors to fulfil their potential and passion for being competitive on the international stage.
Competitors who wish to request an invitation to the Irish Match Racing Nationals can do so at IMRA's website through the events page. The notice of race can also be found on the website. Clubs who are interested in hosting an event supported by IMRA can contact the association at [email protected].
The IMRA is poised to take match racing to new heights in Ireland, with the potential for international success to be a product of this initiative. With the rise of events and standards of match racing, sailors can fulfil their potential and passion for being competitive on the international stage. The community of those interested in match racing is set to grow, and the IMRA is at the forefront of this exciting new era.
Match racer Oisin Cullen Saluted by National Yacht Club
The weekend's National Yacht Club 2023 Awards dinner featured match racer Oisin Cullen in the line-up of major trophy winners. Cullen was rewarded 'for his tireless work and commitment to promoting and developing Match Racing in the Club and nationwide' with the Martin Crotty Trophy Award – a prize for a younger member who shows sailing endeavour.
The Martin Crotty Cup (2017) was awarded to Oisin Cullen for his sailing endeavour in promoting match racing. The trophy was presented by Sabine Sarr Photo: Michael Chester
