The ILCA6 European Youth Championships 2024 are officially underway at Ballyholme following a vibrant opening ceremony on Sunday evening.
The opening ceremony saw over 350 competitors come together for a parade from Luke’s Point and finishing at the Ballyholme Yacht Club.
This is the first time the major event has been held in Ireland after the club successfully won the bid to host the competition.
The parade was led by local piper Shaun Townsley which added to the fantastic atmosphere and colour created by the variety of flags from each country.
This is the largest and most internationally diverse sailing competition in Northern Ireland’s history, with 11 local sailors competing from Northern Ireland and five local Ballyholme Yacht Club members
The parade was also attended by Alex Easton MP and Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart.
Speaking after the parade, Councillor Cathcart said:
“It’s absolutely wonderful to see over 350 competitors from 37 nations come to a very sunny Bangor. They’ll enjoy great racing out in Ballyholme Bay which are terrific sailing waters.”
The competition runs from 27 July to 3 August 2024.
Daily results will be published as soon as possible at https://2024-ilca6youth.eurilca-europeans.org/results/