2024 ILCA 6 Youth European Championships Are Ready for Ballyholme's First Race
All 370 competitors have arrived at Ballyholme for the ILCA 6 Youth European Championships, beginning today Monday 29 July, things are running smoothly, with even the boat and sail inspection a half an hour ahead of schedule!
That smooth running is due to the willingness of dozens of volunteers who have taken on responsibilities such as running the Race Office, boat and sail inspection, site management, catering, launching and retrieving boats, and litter picking.
One of BYC's legendary members, Bill O'Hara, posted on Facebook from the Olympics in Marseilles. "Matt and I are really impressed by BYC and the work of its fantastic volunteers in hosting the Europeans. Ballyholme hosted the Laser Europeans in 1979 (brought to the club by Ron Hutchieson), and the main reason I ended up here was because of the contacts I made. I am really excited for the next generation of young sailors from BYC as you give them a chance to start their journey". Matt is coaching the 49ers, and Bill is the Rules Advisor for Ireland and Denmark.
The Opening Ceremony and Parade for all the competitors along the seafront at Ballyholme will take place on Sunday. Then, on Monday, it's the serious business of racing.
Commodore Rob Milligan is looking forward to the action: "There has been Lots of activity at Ballyholme YC today as final preparations for the EurILCA event are completed. Our volunteers have been fantastic, keeping everything running smoothly. We're now looking forward to the opening ceremony tomorrow and racing starting on Monday".
This article first appeared on afloat.ie written by Betty Armstrong