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Kinsale Dragon Gold Cup 2024: A Celebration of Sailing Excellence

Kinsale Yacht Club is set to welcome over 200 Dragon sailors from around the globe for the highly anticipated Kinsale Dragon Gold Cup 2024, sponsored by Astra Construction Services Ltd, starting tomorrow, Sunday, 8 September. This prestigious event marks the 80th edition of the Dragon Gold Cup, boasting a record entry of sixty-two teams from twelve nations and four continents.

The fleet features top international competitors along with a strong contingent of amateur Corinthian crews vying for the coveted Corinthian Gold Cup. Although the planned practice race today was impacted by insufficient wind, Race Officer Con Murphy and his team successfully prepared the course with mark laying and wind tracking.

Despite the weather challenges, enthusiasm remains high among the teams. Pedro Andrade, the 2019 Gold Cup Champion, expressed his excitement for the event, highlighting the stunning Kinsale sail-out and excellent hospitality. "It’s exciting to see over 60 boats here," he noted.

International Dragon Association’s Championship Coordinator, Martin Payne, shared his anticipation for tomorrow’s opening race, which is expected to bring plenty of wind and a change in direction. The first race of the Gold Cup carries special significance, featuring a trophy in honor of legendary Danish Dragon sailor Borge Borresen.

The Gold Cup will follow a traditional format, with one race scheduled each day for six days, utilizing long windward-leeward courses. Each race has a time limit of up to five hours, with the potential for two races on a single day, where the limit is adjusted to three hours. Consistency and thorough boat preparation are crucial, as there are no discards in this series.

The championship will also include a vibrant social program, with daily Après Sailing Parties hosted by Yanmar. The Opening Ceremony at Kinsale Yacht Club, sponsored by Cork County Council, set the tone for an exciting week ahead. A delightful Taste of Ireland supper party will feature local delicacies, and Astra Construction will hold a reception at historic Charles Fort and a Gala Dinner later in the week.

Regatta Chair Maeve Cotter welcomed competitors, acknowledging the diverse participation of ages and both Corinthian and non-Corinthian teams. She also conveyed warm regards from Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland, who expressed his best wishes for a successful and enjoyable event.

Racing kicks off tomorrow at 12:55 PM, and fans can follow the latest updates through the event website and on various social media platforms. Stay tuned for a thrilling week of sailing at the Kinsale Dragon Gold Cup 2024!

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