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#DUBLIN HOLIDAY WORLD SHOW - Following Belfast's hosting of the annual travel event, the Dublin Holiday World Show starts this weekend (Friday 27th to Sunday 29th January) at the RDS Simmonscourt Pavillon in Ballsbridge.

Like its northern counterpart the Dublin Holiday World Show in association with The Sunday Times incorporates Ireland's biggest Caravan & Motorhome Show and the Over 55' Holiday Show.

With 60 countries, some 1,000 travel and tourism professionals will be ready to give advice and detailed, expert information including those representing ferry and cruise ship operators (see LIST).

Also at the show will be the free Expert Travel Clinics hosted by the renowned travel journalist Eoghan Corry who will be accompanied by leading industry experts giving talks, and answering visitors questions on topics such as cruises, travel in the Far East, African holidays, sports trips and holidays, adventure travel, Caribbean holidays and honeymoons, the US Deep South experience, as well as Home Holidays.

President of the Irish Travel Agents Association, Pat Dawson said: "The Irish holiday market is on a very sound footing. We in the ITAA see recession as an opportunity".

"Prices right now are cheaper than ever before and the exhibitors at Holiday World Show 2012 reflect what is happening in the industry, and you will get extraordinarily good value at the show."

For a list of exhibitors at the show they can be viewed  HERE. Admission for children is free, when accompanied by an adult, for further details of the Dublin Holiday World Show click  HERE.

Published in Boating Fixtures

#HOLIDAY WORLD SHOW -The Belfast Telegraph Holiday World Show will be officially opened by actress and comedian Crissy Rock of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here' fame, where she is to 'check in' at the city's King's Hall, this Friday.

The three day show (20th -22nd January) which ends on the Sunday, is Northern Ireland's biggest annual public showcase of travel, tourism and hospitality will offer an array of holiday destinations. Around 30,000 visitors are expected to the show during the weekend.

It will also be the show's 20th anniversary, commenting on the milestone, organiser Edmund Hourican said: "In 2012 we'll be celebrating 20 years of Holiday World Belfast. While much has changed during that time, the event still provides would-be travellers with a hassle-free opportunity to find out about and compare destinations, airlines, travel agencies - and their prices.

"Today's savvy travellers understand that 'best value' doesn't necessarily mean 'cheapest'. Rather, they are looking to find the products and services that best match their requirements. While visitors to Holiday World Belfast are typically prepared to invest in holidays – often heavily - they do want reassurance that they are making the right choices and getting the best deal. The fact that Holiday World is packed with special offers and discounts is a welcome extra bonus!"

Following the popularity of last year's launch by Oasis Travel of the Cruise Pavilion, this part of the show is also to return in 2012, bringing the biggest names in cruising and will include the successful series of cruise lectures suited to both the experienced 'cruiser' and those completely new to this style of holiday.

In addition this year will feature an all new event-within-an-event Over 55s Holiday Show, adding an important new focus to Holiday World Belfast. To read more details of the show, exhibitors including ferry and cruise operators, and for opening times and admission prices click HERE.

Following the Belfast show, it will be the turn of Dublin to host the Holiday World Show in association  with The Sunday Times which opens on the following weekend (Friday 27th-Sunday 29th January) in the RDS Simmonscourt Pavillon, Ballsbridge.

Like the Belfast show there will be an Over 55's Holiday Show plus the Caravan & Motorhome Show. For further details of the show  they can be viewed HERE.

Published in Boating Fixtures

Ireland & La Solitaire du Figaro

The Solitaire du Figaro, was originally called the course de l’Aurore until 1980, was created in 1970 by Jean-Louis Guillemard and Jean-Michel Barrault.

Half a decade later, the race has created some of France's top offshore sailors, and it celebrated its 50th anniversary with a new boat equipped with foils and almost 50 skippers Including novices, aficionados and six former winners.

The solo multi-stage offshore sailing race is one of the most cherished races in French sailing and one that has had Irish interest stretching back over 20 years due to the number of Irish stopovers, usually the only foreign leg of the French race.

What Irish ports have hosted The Solitaire du Figaro?

The race has previously called to Ireland to the following ports; Dingle, Kinsale, Crosshaven, Howth and Dun Laoghaire.

What Irish sailors have raced The Solitaire du Figaro?

So far there have been seven Irish skippers to participate in La Solitaire du Figaro. 

In 1997, County Kerry's Damian Foxall first tackled the Figaro from Ireland. His win in the Rookie division in DHL gave him the budget to compete again the following year with Barlo Plastics where he won the final leg of the race from Gijon to Concarneau. That same year a second Irish sailor Marcus Hutchinson sailing Bergamotte completed the course in 26th place and third Rookie.

In 2000, Hutchinson of Howth Yacht Club completed the course again with IMPACT, again finishing in the twenties.

In 2006, Paul O’Riain became the third Irish skipper to complete the course.

In 2013, Royal Cork's David Kenefick raised the bar by becoming a top rookie sailor in the race. 

In 2018, for the first time, Ireland had two Irish boats in the offshore race thanks to Tom Dolan and Joan Mulloy who joined the rookie ranks and kept the Irish tricolour flying high in France. Mulloy became the first Irish female to take on the race.

Tom Dolan in Smurfit Kappa competed for his third year in 2020 after a 25th place finish in 2019. Dolan sailed a remarkably consistent series in 2020 and took fifth overall, the best finish by a non-French skipper since 1997 when Switzerland’s Dominique Wavre finished runner up. Dolan wins the VIVI Trophy.

Dolan finished 10th on the first stage, 11th on the second and seventh into Saint Nazaire at the end of the third stage. Stage four was abandoned due to lack of wind. 

Also in 2020, Dun Laoghaire’s Kenneth Rumball became the eleventh Irish sailor to sail the Figaro.

At A Glance – Figaro Race

  • It starts in June or July from a French port.
  • The race is split into four stages varying from year to year, from the length of the French coast and making up a total of around 1,500 to 2,000 nautical miles (1,700 to 2,300 mi; 2,800 to 3,700 km) on average.
  • Over the years the race has lasted between 10 and 13 days at sea.
  • The competitor is alone in the boat, participation is mixed.
  • Since 1990, all boats are of one design.

2023 La Solitaire du Figaro Course

Stage #1 Caen – Kinsale : 610 nautical miles
Departure August 27 (expected arrival August 30)

Stage #2 Kinsale – Baie de Morlaix : 630 nautical miles
Departure September 3 (expected arrival September 6)

Stage #3 Baie de Morlaix – Piriac-sur-Mer : 620 nautical miles
Departure September 10 (expected arrival September 13)

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