As was announced today, the Dublin Bay Sailing Club has taken the extraordinary decision to shift dinghy racing to inside Dun Laoghaire harbour DBSC writes Laser Class Captain Gavan Murphy. However, these are extraordinary times we live in and require extraordinary measures in order to get Summer racing going once again. Thankfully, the DBSC are a group of individuals who have all sailed and raced in Dublin Bay for decades and recognised the fantastic opportunity that Dun Laoghaire harbour provides for great dinghy racing.

The 150-strong Dun Laoghaire Laser fleet (65 race regularly in both the DBSC summer and DMYC winter series) was delighted to hear of this decision as it provides for a wonderful opportunity to not only get out racing again much earlier than anticipated, but it does so in a fantastic amphitheatre that will provide for close, fun, competitive and safe racing.

We have seen a huge level of interest in the Laser class from varying age categories over the last few weeks. Everyone from youths migrating from double handers, adults stepping down from big boats and families looking at additional dinghy options. This renewed interest is in part due to the social distancing requirements of double handers and larger boats, however, it’s also due to the broad age appeal, affordability and fun, competitive nature of the class.

The DBSC Summer Series now includes both Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons to the dinghy racing schedule, which will provide for something in the region of 50+ races over the course of the Summer. The discounted rates DBSC have announced make this the most competitively priced race series in the country, music to the ears of many during these difficult times.

As a class, we’re delighted to be supporting the DBSC who have provided us with wonderful race management over the years and are very much looking forward to a super Summer series.