IRELAND TO HOST LASER MASTERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2018
MAJOR INTERNATIONAL SAILING COMPETITION CONFIRMED FOR DÚN LAOGHAIRE
- Laser Masters2018 Worlds launched at Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company’s Harbour Lodge
- Up to 500 Competitors from more than 40 nations to compete
Tuesday 18th April 2017, Dún Laoghaire, Ireland: The Laser Masters Worlds (2018World Championships) was launched at a special event in Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company’s historic Harbour Lodge today by Shane Ross, T.D., Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
This is the second time in three years that Ireland has been chosen to host a Laser Worlds event. The Laser Radial Worlds were held in Dun Laoghaire last summer.
Commenting on the news, Minister Ross said:“This event will showcase Dún Laoghaire Harbour on the international sailing stage. With up to 500 competitors from more than 40 nations competing in the Championships, this will generate significant revenues for the local economy and great exposure for Ireland.”
Annalise Murphy, 2017 Olympic Silver Medallist in the Laser class at the Rio Games, will act as event ambassador.
The Laser Masters 2018 Worlds takes place in Dún Laoghaire harbour from 7th to 15th September 2018 and will be hosted by The Royal St. George Yacht Club, the National Yacht Club, the Royal Irish Yacht Club and Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company. The event is supported by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Fáilte Ireland.
Eithne Scott-Lennon, Chairperson, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company said“It is very gratifying to see another international event of this calibre coming to Dun Laoghaire. In 2013 the various yacht clubs combined with the Harbour Company to promote Dun Laoghaire as a world-class venue for such events, which are won through a competitive process involving many nations. The event will be held in Croatia in 2017 and has been held in France and Canada in recent years. This success is evidence of the success of that initiative.”
David Kelly, Chairman of the Laser Masters 2018 Worlds organising committee said, “This is a significant achievement and another exciting milestone in the sailing history of Dún Laoghaire. Apart from the financial benefits locally, it is a unique opportunity to showcase our beautiful harbour and everything Dún Laoghaire has to offer. We are looking forward to some top-class sailing and to welcoming all our competitors from all over the world.”
Paul Keeley, Director of Business Development with Fáilte Ireland, who are supporting the event, today said: “Competitive international events like this are a great way to put Ireland on the map as a destination and reinforce also our Island’s reputation as a great venue for sailing, water activities and outdoor pursuits.”
1,000 supporters and volunteers will be involved in helping to host the Laser Masters 2018 Worlds.Over the past number of years Dún Laoghaire has played host to some of the most prestigious European and world sailing championships including the Youth Sailing World Championships in 2012 and the KBC Laser Radial Worlds in 2016.
ENDS
For further information contact
Laoise Donnelly, Fáilte Ireland Press Office
01 8847 195 / 086 0404 788
Editor’s Note
The Laser is a single-handed racing dinghy. It is an Olympic class boat for both men and women and is sailed at national and international levels. With over 200,000 boats in 140 countries, it is the world’s most popular adult and youth racing sailboat. It is popular throughout Ireland.
