It has been a busy summer for the young sailors from Bangor - Sarah has just finished competing in the ISAF Youth Worlds in Portugal, while Liam and Sarah competed in the European Youth Laser Radial Championships at the beginning of July when both Sarah and Liam won individual races. This is Liam Glynn's first season in the Laser Radial having stepped up from the Topper dinghy last summer when he won all the Irish provincial and national titles and followed this up by being the first Irish sailor to win the Topper World Championships in France. The Irish team are looking forward to many more top results after Royal Cork sailor Seafra Guilfoyle won the Silver medal at the ISAF Youth Worlds in Laser Radials in Portugal, coached by Ballyholme YC’s Russell McGovern.

More details of the Laser Radial Youth World Championships can be found at http://events.laserinternational.org/en/events/overview/100z102 and http://www.dziwnowlaserworlds2014.com/

Before they left, four of the Ballyholme YC World Laser Radial Youth Squad got together to help launch the Zhik Irish Laser National Championships which are being hosted by Ballyholme Yacht Club from 28-31st August 2014. The Zhik Irish Laser National Championships includes all 3 versions of the Laser dinghy - Standard, Radial and 4.7. The hull is the same for all versions, the sail and rig is smaller for the Radial and 4.7 which attracts ladies and youths. Ballyholme YC has one of the largest Standard and Radial fleets in Ireland and the championships hope to attract 130 boats over the 3 fleets. Some sailors have already expressed interest to travel from GB to race in what should be a very competitive event.

For full event details and to enter, please visit http://www.ballyholme.com/zhik-irish-laser-national-championship/.

Ballyholme Yacht Club is very grateful to Zhik who are sponsoring the Irish Laser National Championships for the first time. Tested and proven, Zhik gear is the clear winning choice of Olympic and World champions around the world. Fast wetgear products including the revolutionary T2 harness for trapeze sailors, PowerPads for hiking sailors, Superwarm Wetsuits, Microfleece, Hybrid gear and high tech footwear. Gear for dinghy sailing, yachting, paddling, SUP boarding and kite board racing, join the growing league of athletes who are embracing brilliantly waterproof breathable & durable gear in events such as the America’s Cup, Vendée Globe & Sydney to Hobart. Shop direct with Zhik online or find a retailer near you for high performance wetsuits, thermals and much more.

McCready Sailboats are offering a sail for raffle on the Saturday evening of the Championships, and will be on-site during the event.