Entries open for combined 2022 UK and Irish Squib National Championships at Kinsale
by Fiona Ward 19 Oct 2021 03:53 PDT
19-24 June 2022
Ian Travers, the Regatta Director and Keith O Riordan in Outlaw © Robert Bateman
Kinsale Yacht Club is delighted to announce and finally look forward to hosting the rescheduled Squib National Championship incorporating the Irish Squib National Championship from 19th to 24th June 2022.
Postponed in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, next year's regatta will be the first time the UK and Irish Squib fleets incorporate their respective National Championships into one event that promises to be a highlight of the 2022 Irish sailing calendar.
Six days of competitive racing are scheduled on the waters South of Kinsale harbour. With the backdrop of the Sovereigns' Islands to the east and Old Head Lighthouse in the west the championship racecourse will provide challenging racing off the majestic West Cork coastline. Ashore, Kinsale Yacht Club is looking forward to welcoming competitors to its superb facilities. The Club is ideally equipped to run large events with its flagship bi-annual Sovereigns Cup regatta hosting upto 100 cruisers an ever popular fixture on the Irish sailing calendar. Kinsale Yacht Club is also the chosen venue for the prestigious Dragon Gold Cup in 2024.
The regatta director Ian Travers, a Squib racer himself in Outlaw 785, is endeavouring to make the visit to Kinsale as enjoyable an experience as possible both on and off the water.
Launching the website Ian commented, "The Bandon Coop sponsored event will bring the National Squib racing fleets from both sides of the Irish Sea together for the first time and will make for a very competitive regatta. Having been to many class events over the past number of years, I know that Squib sailors are extremely competitive and their rivalry on the water is quickly exchanged for camaraderie once ashore. This competitive and social mix along with the wonderful venue of Kinsale provides all the ingredients necessary to make a memorable dual National Championships event."
The event website is now available at www.kyc.ie/squibnationals2022 which is accepting entries with an early bird entry discount available until the 31st December next. Early entries have the added incentive that One early bird entry will receive a full refund in a draw that will take place in early January. A specially discounted under-25 entry fee is offered to encourage participation. The championship website will be updated on a regular basis with updates also posted on the event Facebook page.