Irish Match Racing Association formed and announces Irish Match Racing National Championships
Born from the gaining interest in match racing, particularly in Dun Laoghaire, IMRA has a clear mission: to champion and cultivate match racing across Ireland. It stems from an increasing demand in the sport which has been satiated by local series in clubs such as the NYC. However, in order to continue to allow this sport to grow in Ireland and broaden it beyond the clubs and cohorts already interested, IMRA was established in late January of this year.
Match racing, with its exhilarating head-to-head battles on the water, has long captivated sailors and spectators alike, one of the most famous and entertaining sailing events, the America’s Cup is a prime example of its thrilling nature. It is a confrontational, all or nothing sport that provides something rare in its ability to excite and dazzle onlookers, both sailors and nonsailors alike. It's a discipline that demands skill, strategy, and split-second decision-making, pushing even experienced sailors far out of their comfort zones. Recognising the potential to further elevate this dynamic facet of sailing in Ireland, IMRA has been set up to promote match racing at every level of the sport.
At the heart of the IMRA's mission is the ambition to encourage participation, raise standards of competition, and organise events that showcase the excitement of match racing. There is a hunger for more events as sailors have the opportunity to make match racing part of their life. With more events to supply match racing demand, the hope is to subsequently attract others to try it and grow the community of those interested.
There is also potential for international success to be a product of this initiative. Ireland is a respected sailing nation, with the pride of the achievements of our sailors driving and inspiring sailing in Ireland. There are successful Irish match racers already, who are few, but have managed to have great international success. With the rise of events and standards of match racing, sailors can fulfill their potential and passion to be competitive on the international stage.
One of the events already on the IMRA calendar is the Irish Match Racing National Championships, to take place on the 11th and 12th of May in the National Yacht Club. This championship promises to mark the beginning of a fast growing match racing community. It hopes to display the talent that has already culminated, with sailors from across the country vying for top honors in tightly contested races.
But the National Championships are just the seeds of what is aimed to grow by all who love match racing. By engaging with clubs, IMRA aims to foster match racing, providing resources, guidance, and support to clubs interested in hosting their own match racing activities and be a part of this exciting new era.
Competitors seeking to request an invitation for Irish Match Racing Nationals can do so at the association’s website through the events page.
NOTICE OF RACE
Clubs who are interested in discussing hosting an event supported by IMRA can contact the association at hello@irishmatchracingassociation.