Now that the Six Nations Rugby is over, the Waszp class is embarking on its Four Nations Cup. For the first time in Northern Ireland, one of the fixtures will be at Ballyholme Yacht Club on Belfast Lough.
The others are the Irish Nationals at Royal St George in August, the Scottish Nationals at Oban SC in July, followed by the Welsh Nationals at Bala SC in September.
The Waszp is a one-design foiling dinghy. Every boat is produced to the same tight specification, meaning it’s down to the sailor to squeeze the speed out of the boat.
Racing will take place to the north of Ballyholme Bay in the wider expanse of Belfast Lough on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th April. Bob Espey, who is organising the BYC event, says, “It is difficult to confirm entries at the moment as most sailors enter at the last minute!” Bob was instrumental in growing the class in the North.
The NOR specifies that entries will be accepted until 2359 hrs on Monday, 8th April (£60) and from then until midnight on 11th April £80). Entries will not be accepted after this time.
It will be the first time an event like this has been run in Northern Ireland. Bob continues, “We plan on running a combination of sail GP style reach start, a slalom course, and traditional windward-leeward courses. This was designed to boost the numbers and competition for the smaller Nation’s Nationals in the UK and Ireland. The competitor's top three from four events will be counted towards the award.
Sheela Lewis from County Antrim Yacht Club on the north shore of the Lough will be Race Officer.
