Frequently Asked Questions

We hope the questions below will answer any queries that you may have in regards to the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta, however if you require any further assistance please contact Ciara at the Event Office.

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Since the construction of the fine Victorian harbour in 1820 Dun Laoghaire has been a focal point for yacht racing and sailing on the east coast of Ireland.

Since the construction of the fine Victorian harbour in 1820 Dun Laoghaire has been a focal point for yacht racing and sailing on the east coast of Ireland. Its close proximity to Dublin, as capital city, and impressive waterfront yacht clubs has resulted in Dun Laoghaire staging many major World & European Championships since the first recorded Kingstown Regatta in 1828.

The waterfront has changed a lot since those early days and in recent years the harbour, town, the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, National Yacht Club, Royal Irish Yacht Club and Royal St George Yacht Club have all undertaken major developments resulting in excellent on shore facilities.  It was the expansion of the clubs, development of quality hotels and the modern 800 berth marina that provided a new opportunity to the clubs and the town.

In 2005, after an absence of almost 40 years the four waterfront yacht clubs agreed to come together and run a combined regatta with the objective of attracting overseas yachts and visitors to Dublin Bay for a week of racing and Irish hospitality. All the clubs, local bodies and commercial interests combined very well to host the inaugural Dun Laoghaire Regatta for some 400 boats in July 2005. The first event proved to be a great success and following requests from the sailors it was decided to run the Regatta hereto forth every second year over four days.

With over 2,500 sailors and over 480 boats spread across 30-34 classes, the four-day regatta held in Dublin Bay is now the largest Regatta in Ireland, yet has the welcoming, friendly atmosphere of a smaller event. The event has gained further credibility, significant overseas support and is fast becoming ‘a must-do’ biennial event on the sailing calendar.  Four days of great racing are provided by Ireland’s top International and National Race Officers across nine courses in Dublin Bay and Howth. Racing is provided from Thursday afternoon through to Sunday and therefore only a requirement to take 1.5 days holidays. Since the Regatta’s inception the Organising Committee work hard to give the sailor great value in entry fees, social entertainment, accommodation and ferry travel to Ireland, with competitor rates organized for each event.

In 2007, Volvo came on board as Title Sponsor and have been subsequently joined by Spirit Motor Group in 2011. In addition to our Title Sponsors, The Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta is very fortunate to enjoy the invaluable and continued support of our other sponsors. Our clothing partners Helly Hansen have been with the Regatta since 2007.  Dubarry of Ireland have been long associated with the regatta and continue as our footwear partner and of course provide the Dubarry Boot trophy for the overall boat of the regatta and will sponsor the Dubarry Ladies Lunch on the Saturday of the Regatta from 2019. The Royal Marine Hotel our Accommodation partner, since 2007 are recognised for their consistent support of sailing in Dun Laoghaire. The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company provide invaluable support to the event in terms of access to their facilities, along with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, who have supported the event since its inception.  The Regatta was delighted to welcome Collen Construction in 2017 and Rationel Windows and UK Sailmakers to the 2019 Regatta and we are delighted to again welcome all our sponsors to the 2021 event.

The strong association and support from Dublin Bay Sailing Club and Howth Yacht Club and Sutton Dinghy Club and who both provide personnel and equipment to the event and Dun Laoghaire Marina who also support the event along with Dublin Port Company and Irish Sailng are integral to the event’s success. This event is run by 300 extremely enthusiastic and hard working volunteers, without whom this event would not happen.

Previous Chairmen of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta; Brian Craig, 2005/2007, Philip Smith 2009, Adam Winkelmann 2011/2013, Tim Goodbody 2015/2017 all of whom remain very much involved in the background of each event.  The 2019 Chairman Don O’Dowd will be continuing his role as Chairman for VDLR 2021.  Regatta Secretary for the Event since its inception in 2005 is Ciara Dowling.

VDLR 2021 will be a different format as to previous regattas in response to the changing times of Covid-19.  VDLR 2021 will run in two parts.  Part One – One Designs (2-4 July 2021) and Part Two – Cruisers (8-11 July 2021).  2021 will be the 9th edition of this event which has secured its place firmly in the International sailing calendar and is under the  Chairmanship of Don O’Dowd.

Categories: Dún Laoghaire, Sailing

If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor of the Event or are a Corporate Company and would like your guests to experience the Regatta first hand, please view our sponsorship opportunity document below, or simply contact Ciara at the Event Office E; sec@dlregatta.org

Category: Sponsorship

Notice of Race, online and postal entry are posted to the Website in the November of the year preceding the regatta

Watch out for our adverts in mainstream sailing magazines and online publications. All yacht clubs and past competitors will be notified directly by email.

Early bird entry applies to 31st March in the year of the regatta and it is always advisable to get your entry in early to avail of great savings.

Category: Enter VDLR

Getting to and from Ireland has never been easier or more affordable with daily direct flights to Ireland from a wide range of cities in the UK, Europe and the US. As a capital city, Dublin is served directly from the main world hubs and by all the major airlines and low cost airlines such as Ryanair, Flybe and British Midland.

Dun Laoghaire is located in South County Dublin, about 10km from the capital city, Dublin.  The range of on-shore facilities, proximity to the capital city and spectator opportunities makes the venue popular for sailors and supporting families alike.

It is also easily accessible by sea directly to Dublin Port with Stenaline, Irish Ferries & P&O Ferries.  Irish Ferries are kindly offering all competitors special rates for the regatta. Please see Travel section for further details.

Category: Dún Laoghaire

The Regatta, since it’s inception in 2005 has held a steady entry of between 400 – 500 boats.  Entries are over 30-34  Classes, in Cruisers, One Design Keelboats and Dinghies.

Category: Sailing

The the 9th biennial Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta will be held over two weekends for VDLR 2021 due to the Covid-19 Restrictions that may be still in place – Two Weekends – One Great Regatta.

  • Part One – One Designs (2-4 July 2021)
  • Part Two – Cruisers (8-11 July 2021)
Categories: Enter VDLR, Sailing

Irish Sailing have been in regular touch with the Revenue Commissioners and Customs to get answers on the implications of Brexit on boats moving between Ireland and the UK, and have compiled a comprehensive FAQ page on their website. As matters are changing quickly and regularly, they will keep it regularly updated:

In addition, please see the Department of Transport’s Covid-19 Travel Restrictions Notice HERE

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Categories: Enter VDLR, Sailing

The Regatta Committee work hard to ensure a great value entry fee for all.

Entry Fee includes – Superb Racing on Dublin Bay, berthing/boat parking/trailer storage and social entertainment.

Early Bird Entry applies up to 31st March 2021

Category: Enter VDLR

Dublin Bay is an excellent venue for sailing. The horse-shoe shaped bay, open to the east and approximately six miles across, allows for fair racing. There is rarely one side of the course advantaged as the bay is large enough for racing to take place away from the influences of the shore.

Over the past number of years Dublin Bay has hosted many World and European Championships most recently the the KBC Laser Radial World Championships, ISAF Youth World Championship, Laser European and Optimist European Championships, Star European and Dragon World Championships.

Ireland’s top International & National Race Officers ensure excellent racing for all competitors over a number of race course areas in Dublin Bay and Howth.  Courses sailed may be as follows. Fixed mark, Triangle, Trapezpoid, Windward/Leeward, Day Inshore Courses.

Racing for VDLR 2021 will be provided for One Designs – 2-4 July 2021 and Cruisers 8-11 July 2021.

Classes are invited to host a championship within the Regatta and if interested should make contact with Ciara at the Event Office E; sec@dlregatta.org

Category: Sailing

Covid Restrictions may apply for VDLR 2021 and the Social Programme will be tailored accordingly to comply with all government guidelines. A full Social Guide will be published prior to the Regatta.

Category: Social

The Organising Authority of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta is Dublin Bay Regattas Ltd, a not for profit company which is beneficially owned by the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club (DMYC), the National Yacht Club (NYC), the Royal Irish Yacht Club (RIYC) and the Royal St George Yacht Club (RSGYC).

For each event an Organising Committee is drawn from the four waterfront yacht clubs in Dun Laoghaire.  In addition the organisers received valuable assistance from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Dublin Bay Sailing Club, Howth Yacht Club, Irish Sailing, RNLI, Dun Laoghaire Marina and Dublin Port Company.

Ciara at the Regatta Office can be contacted M: +353 (87) 2235148, E: sec@dlregatta.org

Category: Sailing