- by Brian Byrne
Alfa sponsors yacht race
15 May 2003: Up to 50 racing yachts are expected in Dun Laoghaire in June to compete in the Alfa Romeo 33 European Championships, which will be hosted by the Royal Irish Yacht Club.
Overseas challengers can expect a very strong challenge from local boats such as Tim Goodbody's 'White Mischeif' seen here during a recent race on Dublin Bay. (Photo: David Branigan/Oceansport)
This is the second year for Alfa Romeo to sponsor a European sailing Championship event at RIYC. In 2002, over fifty boats from Germany, Holland, Italy, UK and Ireland came to Dun Laoghaire to compete in the Alfa Romeo J24 European Championships.
The success of that event has obviously helped Royal Irish attract top-flight international competitors to another event that will further enhance the status of the club while confirming Dublin Bay as one of the premier sailing venues in these islands. It will also provide a significant boost to the local economy.
The J24s which were in Dun Laoghaire last year had crews of five, but the larger and more demanding Sigmas need seven people. That fact alone is a boost to the club and local businesses.
Commodore Fred Espey of Royal Irish says that Sigmas are among the most evenly matched craft in the sailing world. That guarantees that the victorious team will be the one with the greater skills and best seamanship.
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