11/07/2025
Blue Skies and Full Sails for Day Two of the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta
Friday, 11th July. Day Two of the 10th Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta set sail under glorious sunshine with almost 350 boats racing across five separate courses on Dublin Bay. With bright blue skies, a steady breeze and warm temperatures, it was a stunning spectacle for sailors and spectators alike.
Following yesterday’s ceremonial launch and the inaugural Bay Race, today marked the full-scale start of racing across all 36 classes. Dublin Bay was alive with colour and competition, as one of Ireland’s largest and most inclusive sporting events got fully underway. The weekend promises even more excitement, with Saturday and Sunday expected to be fantastic days on the water and ashore for both for the sailing community and the thousands enjoying Coastival, Dun Laoghaire’s summer festival of music, family fun and celebration.
Spectators can take in the action from vantage points along the coast, with plenty to do around Dún Laoghaire throughout the weekend.
Yesterday’s Bay Race, a spectacular mass-start, fixed-mark event, launched proceedings in dramatic fashion. The Irish Defence Forces 2 Brigade Artillery Regiment fired four ceremonial rounds from the East Pier Battery, the first such salutes since 2021, echoing the harbour’s proud maritime and military heritage.
Now celebrating its 10th edition, the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta has grown into a major international event, welcoming 1,600 sailors from 56 yacht clubs around the world. This year’s Regatta features two major innovations:
The inaugural Melges 15 European Championships, with 40 boats - the class’s largest-ever gathering in Europe - and teams ranging in age from 12 to 75 years, including seven crews from the United States.
A new Introductory Class to encourage and support newer sailors taking to the racecourse for the first time.
The Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta is co-hosted by the town’s four waterfront yacht clubs – the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, National Yacht Club, Royal Irish Yacht Club, and Royal St. George Yacht Club - with the support of 280 volunteers, international race officials, and a five-nation jury team.
VDLR Event Director Paddy Boyd said:
“The firing of the historic guns and yesterday’s Bay Race got us off to an unforgettable start. With five race courses now active and ideal conditions, the 10th edition is shaping up to be something truly special – on and off the water.”
On shore, Coastival, hosted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, continues throughout the weekend with live performances, balloon and kite displays, and family entertainment, including the ever-popular Emergency Services Day.
An Cathaoirleach, Jim O’Leary, added:
“Coastival is in full swing now, with a mix of exciting events for everyone to enjoy this summer in Dún Laoghaire. We look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate the vibrant community spirit of the town.”
As part of the regatta, Volvo is activating its Mobile Studio on the East Pier, offering visitors an engaging, family-friendly experience that highlights the brand’s commitment to safety and sustainability. Volvo representatives will be on site throughout the weekend to provide a premium customer experience, showcase new models and offer test drive sign-ups and quote requests via the interactive display.
