Ireland's successful bid to host the prestigious Admiral's Cup sailing event is expected to be announced today by the Minister for the Marine, Mr Fahey, in London.
The biennial championship, which has been variously described as the "Ryder Cup" or the "world championship" of yachting, is due to be held in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, in August 2003. It is the first time the event has been held outside Britain and away from its traditional base at Cowes in southern England.
The event will give a multi-million-euro boost to Dún Laoghaire, as crews and race management teams will stay in the port for at least a month.
The construction of the State-funded €23 million marina at Dún Laoghaire, and the record of the DúLaoghaire waterfront clubs in running international championship events, influenced the decision by the Royal Ocean Racing Club to permit its relocation. Mr John Bourke, a Dublin businessman and international yachtsman, is current admiral of the RORC.
Thirty to 40 boats are expected to compete.
