Since the construction of the fine Victorian harbour in 1820 Dun Laoghaire has been a focal point for yacht racing and sailing on the east coast of Ireland. Its close proximity to Dublin, as capital city, and impressive waterfront yacht clubs has resulted in Dun Laoghaire staging many major regattas and championships since the first recorded Kingstown Regatta in 1828.
The waterfront has changed a lot since those early days and in recent years the harbour, town and waterfront clubs have all undertaken major developments resulting in excellent on shore facilities for sailors and their yachts. It was the expansion of the clubs, development of quality hotels and the modern 800 berth marina that provided a new opportunity to the clubs and the town.
In 2005, after an absence of almost 40 years the four waterfront yacht clubs agreed to come together and run a combined regatta with the objective of attracting overseas yachts and visitors to Dublin Bay for a week of racing and Irish hospitality. All the clubs, local bodies and commercial interests combined very well to host the inaugural Dun Laoghaire Regatta for some 400 boats in July 2005. The first event proved to be a great success and following requests from the sailors it was decided to run the Regatta hereto forth every second year.
In 2007, Volvo came on board as title sponsor and with over 500 entries from some 10 countries the event gained further credibility, significant overseas support and is fast becoming ‘a must-do’ biennial event on the sailing calendar.
The Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, National Yacht Club, Royal Irish Yacht Club and the Royal St George Yacht Club invite you to join us in July 2009 for the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2009.
The planning is well underway and a number of enhancements are already in place to make the event even more memorable.
(Please contact the Regatta Office if we can be of any assistance)
