Irish Olympians & Paralympians To Compete In Holland At Eurosaf Champions Sailing Cup

Tomorrow (Tuesday 20 May) will see the start of the five-day Delta Lloyd Regatta in Medemblik, Holland. This will be the second instalment of the 2014 Eurosaf Champions Sailing Cup at which Ireland will have three Olympic and Paralympic teams competing. Sailing for Providence Team IRL will be recent World Cup Silver medallists Ryan Seaton and Matt McGovern in the 49er class, James Espey in the Laser Standard and the Paralympic Sonar team; John Twomey, Ian Costello and Austin O'Carroll.

This year's regatta has attracted more than 350 competitors. Irish sailors have a history at performing well at the Dutch venue and have taken home numerous medals in previous years. Last year Annalise Murphy won Gold adding to her Bronze medal from 2012. Although not competing this year, Murphy's accomplishment is one her fellow teammates, and perhaps coach, will be hoping to emulate this week.

Taking a break from his hectic coaching schedule will be ISA Performance coach Rory Fitzpatrick. A former Olympian himself, Fitzpatrick will be sailing in a foiling Moth - the most exciting sailing craze to sweep the international scene in recent years. Sailed in training by many top level Olympians (including Annalise Murphy and Ryan Seaton), the incredibly fast and responsive Moth is used to hone boat handling skills and technique.

Two other Irish sailors; Robert O'Leary, the younger brother of two-time Olympian Peter O'Leary, and Dubliner Jade O'Connor will be sailing in the Finn and kitesurfing classes respectively.

Providence Team IRL
49er: Ryan Seaton & Matthew McGovern
Laser: James Espey
Sonar: John Twomey, Ian Costello and Austin O'Carroll