With the gates only recently opened, entry numbers for the prestigious 2024 ILCA 6 Youth European Championships and Open European Trophy, scheduled to be hosted this summer at BYC, have already exceeded expectations.
As event hosts, Ballyholme Yacht Club is delighted to report that more than 350 applications have already been received for the coveted 440 places available. In a true representation of a European championship, applications have been received from 26 countries across Europe with more than 100 female entries and close to 250 male entries. As a testament to the significance of the event, entries have also been received from young sailors hailing from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Thailand, Qatar and Brazil.
“We are absolutely delighted with the support thus far for this major event and the sailor attraction to North Down” said Aidan Pounder, one of the event organisers. “Although there were 388 entries at last year’s event in Poland, we believed that we should be more modest with our expectations given that Northern Ireland is a long journey for many sailors coming from continental Europe. It seems that in fact we underestimated the dedication that these sailors have for their sport, and that they are indeed keen to make the journey for what we hope will be an absolutely cracking event.”
“…more than 350 applications have already been received for the coveted 440 places available… applications have been received from 26 countries across Europe – and beyond”
Amongst the applicants are a number of sailors from local clubs in Northern Ireland including Ballyholme Yacht Club. These hopeful applicants will now have to wait until early June to discover if they have qualified for a place on the country squad.
An important stepping stone for youth sailors with Olympic ambitions
The ILCA 6 Youth European Championships is a major sailing event for youth sailors where success at the European championships is an important step towards representing their countries at the Olympics. The event is seen as a feather in the cap for both the Ballyholme Yacht Club, the region and indeed sport in Northern Ireland
A surge of visitors expected for Bangor
As well as the several hundred youth sailors, Bangor is also set to welcome close to 100 accompanying coaches and many more supporting family members and friends. While the event itself takes place from 27 July through to 4 August 2024, competitors will arrive early to familiarise themselves with the sailing conditions, and it is anticipated that many will stay after to enjoy visiting the region’s attractions.
The arrival of so many visitors will provide a welcome summer boost to the economy of North Down as visitors take up accommodation, dine out and explore the many tourist attractions. To help expand the accommodation offering, the Kingsland area around Ballyholme Yacht Club will be transformed into a vibrant sailing village, offering camping and camper van parking as well as the full suite of competition facilities.
The success in hosting such major events hinges on the generous contributions of BYC volunteers, the support of other sailing clubs, the local community, and Ards and North Down Borough Council, and indeed the industry sponsors who underpin the commitment necessary.
Ballyholme Yacht Club proud to host a Clean Regatta
An important aspect for the Ballyholme Yacht Club was the ability to deliver a ‘Clean Regatta’. As sailors and water sports enthusiasts, the club holds a very strong marine environmental position and the club is proud to be signed up to the Green Blue Pledge, hold platinum level Clean Regattas Certification and Final Straw Certification, all of which aligns with the European ILCA (EurILCA) sailing organisation’s values and put the club in an excellent position to meet EurILCA’s sustainability requirements.
Join the fun and volunteer at EurILCA 6 Youth European Championships
To make this event a huge success the EurILCA Committee are asking for your support. There are many ways in which volunteer helpers can get involved, both on the water and on shore, carrying out a range of roles from marshalling and welcoming our guests, to helping with race logistics. If you can spare some time during the week or can help for the full week the committee would really appreciate it and would like to hear from you. Click on this link to complete the form.
Thanks from the EurILCA Committee