SAILING/Dun Laoghaire Regatta: With just over two months to the first race in the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta, organisers have received more than 400 confirmed entries, equalling the entire turn-out of the inaugural event in 2005. A conservative estimate of crew numbers suggests that at least 3,000 people will be competing daily during the series.
The largest single fleet, so far, will be the high-performance Laser SB3 class that is set to enjoy a tremendously successful inaugural season in Ireland. Close to 60 of these new Sportsboats have been sold to Irish owners which suggests that the Dún Laoghaire event numbers may grow further.
Such a turn-out will certainly stimulate interest from crews in Britain alongside the 40 boats already entered from overseas.
The addition of the third Transpac 52, Colm Barrington's Flash Glove, has boosted the Super-Zero class turn-out to four boats which should deliver some exciting racing among this glamour division.
Elsewhere, the five cruiser classes are all reporting growing numbers, averaging 24 boats each. For a more leisurely participation, the "White Sails" phenomenon is also providing fun racing with, perhaps an improved chance at picking up prizes compared to the all-out racing divisions.
Meanwhile, Ireland's latest flag-carrier on the professional racing circuit will not be racing on Dublin Bay in July. After debuting his first TP52 Patches in Ireland in 2005, and in the process hovering up most of the major trophies here and later at Cowes Week, Eamon Conneely has taken delivery of a brand new Patches in Valencia earlier this week.
Managed and skippered by British Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker, the Galway owner's new boat will begin its first major competition in four weeks' time when the Breitling MedCup series begins in Alicante.
This series builds towards the prestigious Copa del Rey Regatta in July when Conneelly will be aiming to retain this highly-prized trophy for a second consecutive year. Along with the TP52 Global Championship trophy that toured Irish clubs earlier this year, the Patches stable is making steady progress towards winning most of the major international championships.
"We have had two great seasons in the old Patches," Conneely said this week. "We are also aware that as in all sports the standards go up year on year. We are looking to improve in every area."
Dublin Bay Sailing Club will be presented with the annual Mitsubishi Motors Club of the Year Award next week at a reception in Dublin Port. The 123-year old DBSC is the 28th recipient of the ship's wheel trophy and is being recognised for the diversity of boats that its extensive racing programme caters for.
branigan@indigo.ie
