Rachael Blackmore's first gig since shock retirement from horse racing sees her set sail on new course
RACHAEL Blackmore has bid farewell to horse racing and (for one day at least) took to the water in its place.
The newly-retired jockey legend today helped to launch the 10th Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta.
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She was joined by fellow Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta Ambassador James Ryan as the pair did their best to find their sea legs
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The 325-year-old was 'riding the crest of a wave' in helping to launch Ireland's largest sailing event which takes place from Thursday, July 10 to Sunday, July 13
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It's now a major international sailing event, with everything from Olympic and world class professionals to weekend sailors and their craft travelling from as far afield as the U.S.A to participate – with 70 clubs around the globe represented
Volvo Ambassadors Blackmore and Irish rugby lock James Ryan, newly announced Lions squad member, were "riding the crest of a wave" to help launch Ireland's largest sailing event.
This year it will take place from Thursday, July 10 to Sunday, July 13.
It is now a major international sailing event, with everything from Olympic and world class professionals to weekend sailors and their craft travelling from as far afield as the U.S.A to participate.
No strangers to high performance sports and adventure themselves both Rachael and James embraced the aquatic charms of Dublin Bay onboard 'Terra Nova' expertly skippered by Peter Bowring to help officially launch the event, which will see up to 70 different yacht clubs around the globe represented, reflecting the Regatta's ever growing international profile.
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Reflective of the event's 10th anniversary, numerous brand-new elements have been introduced to ensure the event remains fresh, challenging and inclusive to all in the sailing community.
Hence the addition this year of the Bay Race (the first race of the Regatta) and the inaugural Melges 15 Europeans, which will see circa 40 boats competing, making this a significant milestone for the class as the largest European event, with sailors from all over the world aged 12 to 75 taking part!
A new Introductory Class has also been established, to encourage participation from boats that might otherwise not have taken part, facilitating less experienced sailors who are keen to experience the thrill of racing in a Regatta for the first time.
From the Baily lighthouse in Howth to Dalkey island, Dublin Bay accommodates six separate courses for no less than 36 competing classes of boats for the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, which has now become not only the country's biggest sailing event, with an average of 1600 sailors competing, but also one of Ireland's largest participant sporting events overall (after from the Mini-Marathon).
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Co-hosted by the four waterfront Yacht Clubs in Dun Laoghaire (Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, National Yacht Club, Royal Irish Yacht Club and Royal St. George Yacht Club) this biennial four-day event is set to welcome boats ranging from small 14-foot dinghies up to ocean-going 50-footers, with individual crew members travelling from all over the world to participate in the event.
Such is the scale of the event that it requires the services of 280 volunteers on and off the water, as well as top international race officers and an international jury to resolve any arising disputes representing five countries.
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Spectators will be able to view the boats racing on six courses from any vantage point on the southern shore of Dublin Bay.
As well as from the Harbour walls itself, it will also be possible to see the boats from Sandycove, Dalkey and Killiney, especially when the boats compete over inshore coastal courses or have in-harbour finishes.
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The Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta is unique because of its compact site offering four different yacht clubs within the harbour and the race tracks' proximity, just a five-minute sail from shore.
The Regatta also prides itself on balancing excellent competition with good fun ashore.
Speaking at the launch, Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta Ambassador Rachael Blackmore commented "As someone who enjoys the competition and the thrill of sport, it's great to see the same passion that drives horse racing reflected out on the water at the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta.
"It's fantastic to see an event of this scale bringing people of all levels together, from seasoned pros to Regatta first-timers, and I'm delighted to support the 10th edition of Ireland's largest sailing event.'
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Fellow Ambassador James Ryan added ' Great to be here launching the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta and to get out on the water and experience this exciting sport in such good weather.
"It's going to be great to see the bay full of colour and great competition for the teams and from what I've heard I believe a great on shore social occasion too!"
VDLR Event Director, Paddy Boyd, speaking about the much-loved event which showcases the very best of Irish (and international) sailing action on the water, said 'This year's event is shaping up to be one of the best yet with innovations afloat and ashore making it a real spectacle for all.
"The new Bay Race will be a mass start fixed mark race, starting close to the end of both the East and West piers, with (weather permitting) several course options for competitors.
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"This will be both fun and tactically challenging for participants, with Dublin Bay's beautiful C-shape approximately 10km wide at its base and 7km long from Howth Head to Dalkey Island, allowing plenty of room for the expected 350 boat fleet at this four-day event.
"In addition to all of the high-octane action on the water, the much-loved family focussed Coastival event run by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, celebrates Dun Laoghaire's incredible maritime heritage, and Summerfest will see over 50 music events for all ages happening at various spaces throughout the town….so there is quite literally something for everyone - of every age - to enjoy!'
For competitors in the VDLR, the Volvo Trophy is on the line for the overall winner of IRC classes, and with 40 IRC entries already in, two months before the first gun, these classes will ensure some of the hottest Irish Sea IRC action to date.
Alan Cowley, MD for Volvo Car Ireland added 'We are delighted to once again be the title sponsor of Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, an incredibly well-run event we have partnered with since 2007.
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"The Volvo brand is globally recognised within the sailing community, from local events to international competitions like the Ocean Race, making VDLR a perfect fit for us in Ireland.
"What we believe in and what we do at Volvo goes beyond cars. Everything we do begins with people, from our commitment to safety, through to innovation, and we see the value of supporting local organisations, especially those that foster community engagement'
For more information visit
The VDLR is kindly supported by:
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Volvo Cars Ireland in partnership with Spirit Motor Group (Title sponsor)
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council
The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire
Helly Hansen
Dubarry of Ireland
Hyland Shipping
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