Dun Laoghaire to Dingle (D2D) Race

Amazing Grace skippered by Brian O'Sullivan wins the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle (D2D) Race © Frances Clifford

The Commodore and members of Tralee Bay Sailing Club (TBSC) extend congratulations to Brian O'Sullivan and the crew of Amazing Grace on their historic win in the D2D race over the weekend.

Amazing Grace, one of the oldest, heaviest and slowest boats in the fleet of 22 boats in total was sailed impressively by her skipper and crew in very lights winds and challenging conditions beating some of Ireland's top offshore racers. This is the first for a Tralee boat in this race!

The photo shows the winning crew; (back row left to right) Finbarr O'Connell, skipper Brian O'Sullivan, Fergus Kelliher, Pearse Boyland, Tim Kelliher, Cian O'Donnell; (Front row) Brendan Culloty and Michael McCormack.

The Dun Laoghaire to Dingle (D2D) race, a half round Ireland, was a feeder race for what will be two of the biggest cruiser racing events this year happening in Tralee Bay Sailing Club this week. This victory, by Amazing Grace, a first for a local boat, will further boost this week's ICRA National Cruiser Championship & WIORA Regional West Coast Championships, hosted by Tralee Bay Sailing Club. The sailing club expect up to 500 sailors and over 60 boats to hit Fenit for 4 days of racing Wednesday to Saturday, June 12-15th in Tralee Bay!

WIORA, the Regional West Coast Championships commences on Wednesday, June 12th and finishes on Friday, June 14th with the ICRA National Cruiser Championships commencing on Thursday, June 13th and finishing on Saturday, June 15th.

With a total entry of 64 boats between both Championships, there will be five different classes or divisions (based on the size or rating of the boats) of the total fleet. Each and every division is building up nicely, with fierce competition expected across the board.

There are a total of 7 races scheduled for the events, with 2 races on Wednesday, 2 on Thursday, 3 on Friday and the final 2 races on Saturday. The prize for each day, and for the overall winner of each class, will be fought for tooth and nail over the days of each event!

Pat Daly, Commodore of Tralee Bay Sailing Club says that: "The sailors will enjoy top class racing, very good event management along with lots of fun events ashore in the clubhouse and grounds after racing." All this will add to a vibrant social scene ashore.

For non-sailors joining the event, they will be interested to know that there is a lot to see and do locally, including a fashion show in aid of the RNLI on Friday afternoon in the club at 3pm – all are welcome!

Tralee Bay Sailing Club is situated in Fenit with panoramic views of Tralee Bay, ideal for spectators to watch all the action as it unfolds over the four days. It is a friendly and welcoming club for sailors and visitors alike.

The events are supported by Dubarry of Ireland Clothing and Footwear, West End Bar & Restaurant, Bons Secours Hospital Tralee, KELLIHERS Toyota Tralee and Euro Car Parks.