THE POPULAR biennial Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race, relaunched this week at the east coast port, is once again expecting a large turnout, particularly from boats planning to sample the attractions of west Cork and its local regatta season.
As an alternative to the grueling Round Ireland Race every other year, the passage has found a ready following for its unique format.
Beginning from Dun Laoghaire Harbour on the evening of Tuesday, July 1st, the course leaves the Muglins, Tuskar Rock, Conningbeg Light Vessel, Fastnet Rock, Bull Rock and the Skelligs all to the starboard hand before finishing in Dingle Harbour. Any unsponsored yacht over 30 feet in length, with a current Channel Handicap certificate and complying with various safety criteria, may enter (fee £45) in either the open or Sigma divisions.
The event continues the "twinning of the National Yacht Club with its Dingle host, the Cumann Badoiri Naomh Bhreanann and has been boosted by the arrival of Shay O'Donoghue's Halidon as sponsor. Entry will be limited and treated on a "first come first served basis".
The Irish Sailing Association have announced their preliminary squad for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Twenty eight separate campaigns have asked to be considered, and so far 14 have met the "Card System" nomination criteria.
Three of these, Aisling Bowman and Maria Coleman in the Europe Dinghy and John Driscoll in the Finn dinghy, are A card elite athletes who are carrying on from their 1996 Atlanta campaign.
ISA C cards have been awarded to 11 sailors with proven national or international ability and who are now campaigning an Olympic class. These include Tom Fitzpatrick and Dave McHugh, the current Laser II European Champions in the Men's 470, while Mirror sailors Mel Collins and Owen Hennessy are campaigning a 49er skiff.
Five C Cards are spread among single handed boats: Pete Smyth, Darragh Kelleher and Gareth Flannagan in the Laser Class; Maria McGrogan in the Europe Class; and David Burrows in the Finn class.
The ISA's Olympic Committee have expressed concern that some "campaigns are being jeopardised by a reluctance to commit fully to Olympic sailing, with the Mirror worlds in Canada and the Laser II worlds in Ireland acting as major distractions. The statement announcing the provisional line up, cited the experience of two top finishers in Atlanta, Aisling Bowman (10th) and Mark Lyttle (11th), that proved 100 per cent commitment was essential.
D cards, which are awarded to sailors with potential, have been assigned to Melanie Morris in the Europe dinghy and David Quinn in the Laser dingby.
More campaigns are expected to meet the card nomination criteria in the near future, with notable sailors such as David Cummins, twice runner up in the 18 foot Skiff worlds, current Helmsman's champion Laura Dillon, and Marshall "King, a 1996 Soling skipper, all seeking crew of the optimum weight, size and ability.
Meanwhile, a new awards scheme has honoured Lyttle as its' first recipient at a ceremony in Dublin recently. The Cork Dry Gin/Afloat "Sailor of the Year" title recognises the 32 year old's performance and dedication during his campaign for Atlanta.
The National YC sailor was the first monthly winner a year ago, nominated for his record in the Laser class and for being the first member of the Olympic sailing team to be selected.
A 10 year record is expected to be set at the Irish Boat Show at the RDS in three weeks. More than 100 exhibitors have already committed to the show, which has moved from its established venue at The Point. While Inland Waterways will be the focal point, racing sailors should look out for the new Jeanneau 34.2, the new IOD Optimist and the exciting Skiff class.
The Heineken Intervarsity Windsurfing Championship gets underway today at Dromineer, and, with wind in abundance, should prove to be an exciting contest. Trinity College are defending with the University of Limerick tipped to be the main challengers.
