RS Elites focus on Ireland in 2023
by Alasdair McLeod 18 Jan 2023 08:53 PST
RS Elites racing in the 2021 International Grand Prix © Paul Wyeth /
www.pwpictures.com
Following the extravaganza of the International Grand Prix at Cowes last year, the major focus for the RS Elite fleet shifts to Ireland in 2023.
Sailors from the UK mainland are already making plans to take their boats to Ireland for the UK National Championship at Strangford Lough Yacht Club in late June / early July. The decision to hold the Irish Nationals at the Royal Ulster Yacht Club on Belfast Lough on the previous weekend means that sailors can easily take in both events from a single base, ensuring a healthy entry and strong competition.
Those who have sufficient time on their hands to transport their boats to Dublin have the added advantage that they can take part in the Dun Laoghaire Regatta on the weekend after the UK Nationals.
The relevant dates are:
- Irish National Championship: 24 - 25 June
- UK National Championship: 28 June - 1 July
- Dun Laoghaire Regatta: 6 - 9 July
The Irish RS Elite sailors are rolling out the red carpet to welcome visitors from the UK mainland. A discounted ferry deal is available to those who book early and accommodation for visiting crews is being made available in members' houses.
Transport will be provided as appropriate to facilitate attendance at social events in the host clubs which, based on past experience, will be an experience not to be missed.
The Irish National Championship at the Royal Ulster will coincide with a two day event for the RC35 class, being held at the same club on the same weekend. This IRC class, which takes in many popular designs sailing together on similar ratings, is popular on both sides of the Irish Sea. Together with the RS Elites, it will be a busy weekend on Belfast Lough.
Strangford Lough Yacht Club, which is hosting the UK Nationals, has successfully hosted this event in the past and is well known to RS Elite sailors who have fond memories of the club's hospitality and are always keen to return. The Dun Laoghaire Regatta is Ireland's largest regatta and hosted the RS Elite UK National championship in 2019. A separate start will be provided for RS Elites if there are six or more entries.