Excitement is building for the inaugural Melges 15 Europeans, which will take place as part of Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta. Hyland Shipping will sponsor the Melges 15 Race Course as well as becoming a bronze sponsor of the regatta itself.
John Sheehy of Melges Ireland said, " We are delighted with Hyland Shipping's sponsorship. They have been key and trusted partner in the growth of the class here, seamlessly delivering the first 24 boats into the country via ship from Portugal and via Truck, Train and Ship from the heart of America. For the event itself, Hyland is shipping in a further 12 boats from Portugal to allow an international fleet to charter and easily take part in the championships".
Class President Theo Lyttle, sailing with his daughter Alannah will be leading the Irish challenge at July's inaugural Hyland Melges 15 European Championships as part of Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta
Tino Hyland, Managing Director or Hyland Shipping said "At Hyland Shipping, sailing has always been close to the core of the business. With over 40 years of experience in the freight industry, our company was built on the movement of goods across the sea, and our connection to boats and maritime activity is deeply rooted in who we are.
That's why it's a real pleasure for us to be a sponsor of the Melges 15 Europeans, 2025. We're proud to play our part in a community that shares our passion for sailing, and we're looking forward to the energy and excitement the competition brings to Dun Laoghaire Bay. Here's to a great week of racing."
VDLR chairman Don O'Dowd said, "We are delighted and excited to host the inaugural Melges 15 European Championships. Being part of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta will bring a strong international flavour to the event, with six nations already entered, including a strong representation from the USA. This couldn't have happened without the kind sponsorship of Hyland Shipping, whom we are delighted to welcome as a Bronze Sponsor for 2025. The Hyland Race Course will be a great spectacle for the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta".
Melges 15 2025 Europrean Championships at Dun Laoghaire
For the Europeans, the new innovative system for racing, "Race Sense" by Vakaros, will be used, which will enable automatic OCS detection, synchronised timing and automatic finish recording, ensuring efficient and effective race management. This software ensures that general recalls are a thing of the past, which will help the nearly 40-boat fleet maximise their time sailing in the Bay. International Race Officer Bill O'Hara will be the Principal Race Officer for the fleet.
International competitors are continuing to enter with currently 7 USA teams, 1 Spanish, 1 Portuguese, 1 Dutch, 1 UK and firm talk of entries from Sweden and Luxembourg. Hailing from Florida, competitors Rob Britts and Jillian Aydelotte are 'thrilled and excited' for the adventure ahead at the regatta. From just North of Barcelona, husband-and-wife team Joan and Meritxell Gelpi are proud to represent Spain, with fond memories of coaching at the 2021 ILCA 4 Youth Worlds in Dun Laoghaire.
Leading the charge from the US will be daughter and father combination Emily and John Haig from Little Egg Harbour Yacht Club, New Jersey, who won the last major US event, the Mid-Winter Championships in March, as well as being the Inaugural US national champions back in 2021. The Irish fleet will have their work cut out to keep the specially commissioned "Dun Laoghaire Hyland" Melges 15 European trophy on home shores.
