Student sailors come to Louth

Young sailors from across the country flocked to Carlingford Lough this weekend as Carlingford Sailing Club hosted the Irish University Sailing Association (IUSA)series on Saturday 5 October and Sunday 6 October 2024.

IUSA represents sailors from University College Cork, Dublin City University, University College Galway, Technological University of Dublin, Queens University Belfast, Dublin Business School, University of Limerick, Munster Technological University and Trinity College Dublin with over 70 students attending the  Carlingford event.

Ross McEntegart, Commodore of Carlingford Sailing Club said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to host this national event at our Club and it’s good for the town with many students staying locally to be ready for the early start. Carlingford Lough can have some very tricky sailing conditions, as this weekend proved with a strong gusting southwesterly, but the students really seemed to enjoy the challenge.

"Sailing gives young people a great opportunity to put screens away and use practical skills in a fun and safe environment. I know at our Club, many of our new members are parent and child teams which is a great way to work together and bond on a shared endeavor.”

Finn Walker, Captain Trinity College Sailing Club and organiser of the event, said: “This is our third timing coming to Carlingford and we just love it. Every time we come, we are astounded by the beautiful landscape and the warm welcome from Carlingford Sailing Club and the people in the Town. We’ll definitely be back.”

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Francis Donnelly, Sailing Secretary of Carlingford Sailing Club said, "These events are a massive logistical challenge, involving 126 competitors in 21 teams, racing in three fleets of 6 boats each. A team of motorboats ferry the competitors from shore to their boats and back, allowing the boats to remain on the water throughout. Unfortunately, the weather didn't co-operate, particularly on Saturday.

"This meant that we were unable to complete the full programme of 63 'round robin' races followed by semi-finals and finals. The more benign conditions on Sunday allowed the Race Management team to start a race every 5 minutes, and the important threshold of 54 races to be reached just before the deadline of 15:00 on Sunday. This number represents 80% completion of the round robin stage, and is the minimum required to declare the winners and allow for promotion & relegation between the three fleets for the next event."

Ross McEntegart, Commodore of Carlingford Sailing Club concluded: “Thanks to all of the volunteers who made the event such a success, and to all those who allowed us the use of their boats - Carlingford Lough Yacht Club, Carlingford Sea Swimmers Group, Dundalk Sub Aqua Club, James Ives of X-Ocean, the Kilgallon Family. We are a community organisation and without that support we couldn’t do what we do. Thank you.”

Race results from the weekend: Race results: Winner Gold Fleet = University College Dublin 1, Winner Silver Fleet = Queen's University Belfast 1, Winner Bronze Fleet = Munster Technological University 2.