Kingdom hosts Triple Crown windsurfers
Ireland’s status as one of Europe’s premier windsurfing destinations will be confirmed this weekend when the UKWA Triple Crown Wave Sailing Championship is staged in Co Kerry.
Attracting 40 of Europe’s leading windsurfers to Brandon Bay, Castlegregory, the championship was secured for Ireland as part of Bord Fáilte’s International Sports Tourism Initiative.
Over four days, from May 9 to May 12, the competitors will be judged on their performance in two categories - wave sailing (much like surfing) and - wave jumping - with some spectacular aerial stunts guaranteed.
The leading Irish contenders are Oisin van Gelderen from Skerries, Co Dublin and Timo Mullen from Lurgan, Co Armagh who will compete against the best from the UK and Europe.
The Irish Triple Crown is the second leg of the UKWA Triple Crown Championship.
The event is free to spectators and spectators will also have the opportunity to sample some alternative water sports such as boogie boards, powered surf catamarans and jet skis.
The action can be followed daily on www.3xcrown.com.
Bord Fáilte is specifically targeting windsurfing and related water sports activities as a tourism attraction with potential for growth.
