The Royal St. George YC has announced the launch of a unique Laser (ILCA) sprint regatta series in association with sponsor Grant Thornton.
The Laser dinghy fleet in Dun Laoghaire and across the country has been having a bumper season with record attendance numbers at various regional and national events. The Royal St. George YC, with probably the largest Laser fleet in the country, has just announced a unique series of one-day regattas to encourage more people into the sport.
Commencing on October 9th, with a ‘Race with Champions’ event, the regatta series will consist of 4 events between now and next summer. The ‘Race with Champions’ format sees national champions from across the 4.7, Radial and Standard rigs in the Laser invited to compete with sailors of all levels of experience in a fun yet competitive event format.
Each regatta comprises five short races of 20-30 minutes in duration with separate prize categories across the different rigs, genders and ages. There is particular emphasis from the race committee on ensuring a fast-paced and fun event for competitors of all ages and abilities. Novice sailors are most welcome as this provides a unique format to be involved in racing at the highest level across the Irish fleet.
"Over 100 Lasers in the Royal St. George YC across all ages"
Speaking at the announcement of the series, Royal St. George YC Laser class captain, Brendan Hughes said, “We’re delighted to announce the launch of the Grant Thornton ILCA Sprint Regatta series and are very grateful to our sponsors for making this possible. The purpose behind the series is to provide a format for more sailors to have an opportunity to experience racing in a Laser, in a relaxed yet competitive environment. We now have over 100 Lasers in the Royal St. George YC across all ages and we’re eager to provide them with as many opportunities as possible to have fun on the water.”
Mick Shelley of Grant Thornton Ireland is himself a Laser sailor and he said that; “Sailing and in particular Laser sailing is a great sport for both male and female, young and old to be involved in. The modest cost of the Laser dinghy has meant that sailing has become accessible to many people and Grant Thornton Ireland are proud to be associated with this series.”