An inaugural joint event will see the Fireball Munster Championship and International 420 Leinster Championships 2023 come together on the waters of lower Lough Derg.
Over 30 double-handed performance dinghies, including Fireballs and International 420s, are expected from July 22 to 23.
Jim Ryan, the Commodore of Killaloe Sailing Club, emphasised the significance of this occasion, saying, "We're excited to witness the Fireball and 420 fleets together on the same waters and warmly welcome sailors to this scenic part of Co Clare for a great weekend of sailing. Plenty of space for camping and motor homes which makes Killaloe sailing club a low-cost venue for regattas. Wishing everyone all the best of luck on the water.”
Fireball Class Association chairman Neil Cramer warmly welcomed the joint hosting event by Killaloe SC in its new club premises on Lough Derg. "This is a perfect match of classes, representing a win-win for all involved. For clubs it makes perfect sense to host compatible classes together for logistical and economic reasons and is the way forward for sustainable regattas in Ireland. Fireballers are delighted once again to visit Killaloe SC for their penultimate regional event of the year and of particular interest this weekend is the large crop of younger sailors competing in Fireballs."
"Plenty of space for camping and motor homes which makes Killaloe sailing club a low-cost venue for regattas"
The 420 class has been a stepping stone for many young sailors, with several transitioning to compete in the Fireball category during their college years and beyond. Notably, Cara McDowell, Daniel Thompson, Henry Thompson and Hugo Mika, all 420 class coaches, will be participating in the Fireball races this weekend, a testament to the symbiotic relationship between the two classes.
The 420 class - a stepping stone for the Fireballs
Martina Whyte, the President of the Irish 420 Association, expressed her gratitude towards Killaloe Sailing Club and Race Officer Liam Maloney (LDYC) for hosting this event. She shared her excitement, looking forward to thrilling tactical racing and the opportunity to renew sailing acquaintances with their Fireball counterparts. Alongside the sailors familiar with the Shannon waters from Lough Ree Yacht Club, a fleet of sailors from 420 strongholds in Galway, Spiddal, Malahide, Kinsale, and Waterford are expected to compete. This event also serves as a warm-up for the upcoming 420 and Fireball National Championships, again to be jointly hosted in Waterford Harbour, scheduled for August.
The regatta will kick off on Saturday, July 22, with the first gun firing just after noon. Commodore Jim Ryan extended a warm invitation to all sailing enthusiasts and spectators to come and watch the racing.
