The World Match Racing Tour will make its Dublin debut this week. Twelve international skippers are set to compete in the Dublin Match Cup, beginning Thursday, 25 September.
Racing takes place in Scotsman Bay and will be visible from Dún Laoghaire’s East Pier. Spectators are promised a close-up view of the boat-on-boat action.
The event at the National Yacht Club will feature the Irish National Sailing School's (INSS) fleet of J80 sportsboats, as previously used in the Irish Match Racing National Championships earlier this month.
The format features short courses with two boats racing head-to-head. All teams use identical boats supplied by the organisers, with rotations ensuring competition is decided purely by skill.
As Afloat reported previously, the competition brings sailors from France, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, the USA, Australia, and Ireland. Organisers say the event marks a major milestone for Irish sailing.
“This is a landmark moment for sailing in Ireland,” said Ruairi Finnegan, Chair of the event. “Fans can look forward to world-class racing on our waters.”
Ireland secured the event with support from Irish Sailing and Sport Ireland. Racing will run through the weekend, with a champion crowned on Sunday.
Founded in 2000, the World Match Racing Tour is the sport’s longest-running professional series. Each year’s winner is crowned Match Racing World Champion by World Sailing.
