In a huge step forward for sailing in Ireland, Irish Sailing has announced its plans for a new Performance Headquarters that will be based in Dun Laoghaire.
The ambitious project will be funded entirely by the Irish Sailing Foundation and will be located on the grounds of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, Dun Laoghaire. The HQ will house the senior Irish sailing teams and aims to improve both training and educational opportunities for them.
It will be entirely mobile and will consist of three converted shipping containers which have space for briefings and athlete education, a gym, gear storage and a boat maintenance area. The athlete briefing room can then be shipped directly to international competitions such as the Olympics in Tokyo 2020 and provide a base for Irish athletes overseas. Outside there will be a boat park and a pontoon for launching the boats.
President of Irish Sailing Jack Roy, says, “when philanthropic generosity is combined with a passion for Irish sporting success on the world stage we see results – in this instance a Performance HQ that will ensure a bright future for Irish Sailing.”
James O’Callaghan, Irish Sailing Performance Director added, “lead by Rory Fitzpatrick our Head Coach, the impact of the new Irish Sailing Performance HQ cannot be underestimated. We will finally have a place we can call ‘home’. The performance environment created will allow for consistent coaching, a base for equipment and our own direct access to the water which all adds up to give our athletes the best opportunities to reach their maximum potential”.
Subject to planning requirements, it is hoped that work will be completed by end of summer 2018.
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