Hosted by the National Yacht Club, event organiser Cathy MacAleavey commented “All our plans for this event are on track with only the Turkish Squad delayed in transit. However they hope to be here in time for tomorrow’s opening ceremony.”
Göran Petersson, President of the International Sailing Associations Federation (ISAF), will attend the official opening ceremony, which takes place at 7pm Saturday 21st July 2007. Petersson’s attendance is recognition of Ireland’s event management expertise, both on and off the water, which continues to impress internationally.
By Friday evening 250 sailors had complied with boat measurement regulations and were preparing for Saturday afternoon’s practice race. Those with an eye on the trophy spend Friday afternoon on the water as they familiarised themselves with local conditions.
National Yacht Club Commodore Con Murphy explained, “This event is by far the largest ever international youth sailing event held in Ireland and there is a tremendous buzz around the waterfront. With the championship open to those aged 12 - 18 many competitors have travelled with parents and siblings as well as their coaches.”
Mixed weather is expected for the week but for visiting families and spectators the fleet of 262 identical boats on Dublin Bay will be an amazing sight.
In the short term, hoping for dry weather for tomorrow’s parade of nations and official flag opening will be representatives of all sponsors and supporters including the Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, Laser Card, The Royal Marine Hotel, Ballygowan, Slam and Renewco Energy will be attending the opening ceremony.
A top class Spanish team have high expectations of victory in the European Laser 4.7 Championships, which takes place in Dun Laoghaire from 20th July to 27th July 2007. Their ten-strong squad includes reigning national female champion, Olimpia Corral Bosch and Antonio Minguez Diaz Del Rio her male counterpart. However with 62 Irish sailors, including the ISA Laser 4.7 Team, eager to measure their progress against their peers, competition will be strong in this international youth event.