The Royal St. George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin plays host to the second annual International Match Racing Challenge over this coming weekend, the 23rd and 24th July. Ireland’s top five Match Racing Teams will go head to head against a World Team, consisting of five international teams from Denmark, Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
The Irish Team
Marty O' Leary - World no. 395
George Kingston - World no. 87
The World Team
Nicolai Sehested DEN - World No. 42
David Chapman AUS - World No. 43
Robbie Allam GBR - World No. 79
Sam Pearson GBR - World No. 153
Ben Duncan NZL - World No. 200
At last year’s inaugural event, the World won the challenge with 36 wins to Ireland’s 29. Hence, this weekend, the home team will be even more determined to win the trophy!
Racing will take place in the spectator friendly Scotsman’s Bay, bordered on one side by Dun Laoghaire pier and on the other side by the Forty Foot, enabling great access to and views of the races throughout the weekend. Sailors are also encouraged to come watch the action from the comfort of their own boat.
Live commentary will be available throughout the event on VHF Channel 77 and live updates and photos will be available on www.matchrace.posterous.com.
BE PART OF THE ACTION ON BOARD
An exciting part of the event’s entertainment package will allow individuals to actually experience the racing as it happens by sailing on board with a team in the “Hot Seat” position. When in the “Hot Seat”, the individual will experience the thrills and tension of the race as it happens along with the competitors. There is also a Spectator Package, which will provide individuals with a bird’s eye view of all the racing as well the added bonus of firing the starting gun! Both the “Hot Seat” and Spectator Packages will offer a really memorable and authentic experience for you, your family, friends, staff or clients – a perfect gift or treat for yourself this summer.
ABOUT THE TEAMS
Australia
Australia's David Chapman will captain the International Line Up. David has been campaigning in Europe over the past two Summers and is the reigning Polish tour Champion. He has been climbing the World Rankings steadily and is on path to enter the top 15 next year.
Denmark
Denmark are submitting their first entry to the event. Nicolai Sehested is the top Danish youth Match Racer and despite being only 21 is already the World no 42.
Great Britain
Team 1: Robbie Allam and his team the World no 79 are an experienced outfit. Highlights for them are performing well in the Bermuda Gold Cup.
Team 2: Sam Pearson and the Wight Match Racing team are another young outfit. They have just completed the Trans-Atlantic race so seamanship should not be a problem!
New Zealand
Ben Duncan and his Mad Match team are back as the only member of last year’s winning team. Ben and Ric (President of Irish Match Racing) are no strangers to Irish Waters. Runners up in the last two Irish Nationals, they are proven performers in the high pressure cauldron of Match Racing. Dominating the Irish SB3 circuit this year, this team will be quick through the water.
Ireland
Marty O'Leary will Captain the team. Marty finished fourth at the University Match Race Worlds last year. He has also won the last three Irish National Championships, relaxing on the bow for each occasion. A serial winner, Marty has been clocking up wins in numerous classes over the last few years. He's hoping to inspire the team to victory.
George Kingston from Kinsale has represented Ireland at the Nations Cup. A prodigious talent, George and his team will be looking for a consistent winning performance.
Darragh O'Connor (DOC) hails from Schull and is swapping from his usual spot on the Mainsheet to take the tiller. His calmness under pressure and a rare ability to make very few mistakes on the race course will be a valuable commodity for the team.
Ben Scallan from Wexford is the baby of the team. A top university sailor, his natural speed should carry him through.
John Downey brings the X-factor. His unpredictability will catch many a team off guard and with a strong crew should go well.
EVENT PACKAGES
Both Packages are available on the two days.
Package One
THE HOT SEAT
€200 per Adult (not inc. discount) €100 per Junior under 18
Experience the thrills and tension of the race as it happens aboard!
12:00 Meet and Greet in Club
12:30 Race Briefing and Intro to the Event
12:45 Light Lunch
13:30 Trip on Yacht around Dublin Bay
14:30 Arrive at Spectator area to watch racing
15:00 Hot Seat Race
16:15 Return to the Club
16:30 BBQ and Drinks
Hot Seaters need to be prepared to get wet and be active!
Package Two
PURE SPECTATOR
€100 per person (not inc. discount)
Get a Bird’s Eye view of all the action!
12:00 Meet and Greet in Club
12:30 Race Briefing and Intro to the Event
12:45 Light Lunch
13:30 Trip on Yacht around Dublin Bay
14:30 Arrive at Spectator area to watch racing
15:00 Step on Board the Starter’s Boat and fire the Starting Gun
16:00 Return to the Club
16:30 BBQ and Drinks