...committed to sponsoring this large sailing event, which is the first time that GBSC have hosted this large event for young sailors. The Marine Institute has also announced their support behind the event.
The Connacht Championships, to be called the Volvo Connacht Optimist Sailing Championship is being sponsored by Kenny- Galway, main Volvo agents and is also being supported by the Marine Institute. The event was recently launched at a reception in the Kenny Showrooms, Tuam Road.
GBSC will be hosting this event at Rinville on the 24th and 25th May with two fleets racing. The more accomplished and experienced sailors will race out in the Bay under the stewardship of Race Officer Dave Vinnel and Ann Donohue, whilst the less experienced will race in the sheltered waters close to the club with race officers John and Adair Leech. Weather permitting a series of 6 races will be sailed each day.
Over 100 boats are expected from all over Ireland with their coaches, families and friends and the sight of all these boats on the bay will make a panoramic view of our beloved Galway Bay.
Mr Paul O’Brien, Commodore of GBSC said the various fleets will make a great
spectacle on the Bay and he hopes that plenty of people will come along to
watch them.
Many of these youngsters often sail in weather conditions that the
hardened ‘old salts’ wouldn’t leave their mooring for. He said the club is delighted to have several of its own junior Optimist members compete in the Championships.
At the event launch Pierce Purcell who has been involved with youth sailing for many years at Galway Bay Sailing Club, he said that it will encourage young sailors to participate at other regional and the National regattas. Mr. Purcell said the GBSC is delighted to have the support of the sponsors for this event. He thanked Mr Brian Kenny, Managing Director of
Kenny-Volvo and Mr Peter Heffernan CEO of the Marine Institute for the generous sponsorship and support.
