Sailing: A fleet comprising some of the world's largest sailing yachts could be racing in Dublin Bay in September next year if plans to host Ireland's first super-yacht regatta are realised.
The plan envisages between 10 and 15 boats of more than 100 feet in length that will take part in a series of races off the east coast.
It is understood that four boats have already indicated their intent to visit with other skippers being actively canvassed for their support. Crucially, it is the timing of the regatta to coincide with the Ryder Cup that will convince the owners to enter.
The Irish Times has learned that the Royal Irish Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire will be the local host venue and an agreement is at the final stages of negotiation.
Depth surveys of the harbour have indicated a number of potential sites to moor the fleet, including inside the new western breakwater beside the marina or for bigger yachts, along the west pier where the lightships were previously moored.
If the organisers succeed in attracting some of the very largest super-yachts, these skippers may opt to anchor in some of the scenic locations along the south Dublin shore, such as Sandycove or beneath the Vico Road at Dalkey. If the weather is unfavourable, Dublin Port and the River Liffey also offer deep-water berths.
While individual super-yacht visits are common on the south coast, either as part of a cruise or landfall following a transatlantic delivery, a fleet series would attract considerable international attention. Racing around Dublin Bay would also be a major public spectacle and we could yet see a repeat of the 1987 TAG Round Europe Race that brought traffic to a standstill on the coast roads overlooking the bay.
For privacy purposes, the owners are usually not identified, but tend to be captains of global industry and the opportunity to showcase Ireland as an investment and marine leisure venue will not be lost on official agencies. "The owner has a new-found love of golf and what a great way to mix the two sports together! Sariyah makes a pretty nice golf cart sailing around the world playing golf in between regattas and cruises," Tim Loughridge, captain of the 130-footer told The Irish Times.
The economic benefit of a super-yachts visit would be hard to estimate. Entry fees for the fleet are usually around €140 per foot, though sources suggest the real benefit is the exposure they bring rather than direct spend during the event.
However, last summer saw two maxi racing yachts compete in Cork Week with an estimated spend of €100,000 per boat on local expenses. While the luxury super-yachts are unlikely to sail with crews of 24 like their smaller maxi counter-parts, a multi-million euro fillip to the local economy can be expected.
Meanwhile, Dublin Bay will be on show for the next four weeks as RTÉ broadcasts a four-part documentary beginning next Wednesday at 7.30pm. The series named The Bay explores all aspects of "the capital's playground" using personality-led interviews and themes.
Ahead of this bank holiday weekend, Irish Water Safety has urged the public to take safety precautions when afloat. The CEO of Irish Water Safety John Leech this week warned about the increased risk of water-related accidents and tragedies as the number of people taking to activities in and around water will increase. Approximately 70,000 yacht and boat enthusiasts will take to our waters this weekend for leisure. Thousands more will go swimming, diving, angling, canoeing, surfing and windsurfing. Others are at risk as they walk adjacent to our shoreline and inland waterways.
"Alcohol is a contributory factor in almost 30 per cent of drownings, therefore I ask the public to exercise common sense when consuming alcohol this weekend," Leech said. Water temperatures are still cold, 10 degrees on average on our coastline with freshwater being a few degrees cooler. IWS cautions aquatic users that their bodies are not acclimatised and they should not stay too long in the water.
