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kristinDon't miss free wind surfing, kite surfing and wakeboarding lessons, as well as free trips on Thundercat power boats during the European Speed Sailing Championships. From November 1 - 7 in Dungarvan Co. Waterford, some of the world's top speed sailors will compete in the week-long event.
Aside from the sporting activities, a number of celebration events are also open to the public, including a live DJ performing daily, the championship opening party at The Seannachai Bar on November 1, and the closing party at The Quays on Saturday November 7.
Sail with some of the world's top speed sailors thanks to Kite Schools Puremagic, Kiteskool and LSD Boarding. In addition, Windsurf Schools Surf Dock, Wind and Wave, and BigSurf will be on hand to help beginners get started with the sport. A combination of water sports will be available from Dunmore East Adventure Centre, and some of the world's top manufacturers will demonstrate their latest equipment.
Speed sailor and event organizer Martin Waldron said, “Speed Sailing is really an amazing sport to watch. We are inviting the people of the South East to come witness some of the massive speeds achievable by some of the world's fastest men and women in the sport.”
On Wednesday, November 3 at The Moorings, Dungarvan, team member Anders Bringdal will host a discussion about the 2009 l'Hydroptère record victory, where he and the crew averaged a 51.36 knots over 500m, earning the title of the fastest sailing craft on the planet. With a top speed of 55.5 knots, l'Hydroptère takes her place in the history of sailing. This event will be followed by drinks in the Moorings bar for anyone wishing to join the competitors for a chat or questions about the sport.
Aidan Foley of Thundercat Racing Ireland commented about the Thundercat Power boats, which spectators will be able to take free trips on during the Championships. “It is the spectator side of things that has seen Thundercat Racing Ireland thrive this year, setting Irish beaches ablaze,” Foley said. “Thundercats are small inflatable boats that were born in the huge surf off South Africa. Initially design to fulfill a rescue role, these little beauties quickly became popular as race-boats due to their ability to handle extreme sea conditions close to shore. Their attraction quickly spread beyond South Africa into Australia and New Zealand before hitting the northern hemisphere and becoming an active sport in most of the world,” he continued. “Each Thundercat carries a pilot and co-pilot, and racing is done in short tight courses right on the shoreline. Spectators can really engage with the racing as they corner hard, jump high over waves and battle around the marks.”
A host of international competitors are registered to attend. In the men's fleet, 2008 World Speed Champion Cyril Moussilmani will be a strong contender, as well as windsurfing legend Anders Bringdal, who recently crewed on the sailing boat Hydroptere which broke the speedsailing world record. Previous speedsailing world record-holder and the current kite-surfing world record holder Alex Caizergues will also be in attendance.
A €10,000 prize fund is up for grabs during the Championships, as well asl a number of additional prizes from the event supporters, which include Fáilte Ireland, Waterford County Council, Irish Windsurfing Association, Red Bull and LOCOSYS. The event is hosted and orgainzed by Waldron Event Management, ISWC, Pure Magic Kitesurfing, Irish Speedsailing Series, Irish Slalom Series and the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club.
For more information, visit www.speedworldcup.com.
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