As sailors, many of you are wondering how you can join in the national tourism initiative the Gathering Ireland?
The Irish Sailing Association and the IMOA (Irish Marina Operators Association) with support from the Cruising Association of Ireland, the Irish Cruising Club and the Gathering Ireland are organizing the Gathering Cruise inviting 100 boats from around the world to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of the coastal regions of Ireland.
As an Irish sailor there are a number of areas where you can assist in assuring that sailing will be an integral of the Gathering Ireland 2013.
1. Spread the word – contact all your sailing family and friends around the world and invite them to join the cruise either on their boats or if you have a boat ask them to join you.
2. Be a good friend – make it as easy as possible for all visitors – assist with logistics, suggested routes, offer information on boat charters if required, help out with crew if needed.
3. Offer the Cead Mile Failte – If you are a club, marina, port, training centre please register your interest in being a welcome port on www.thegatheringcruise.ie. As an individual sailor if you are interested in making sure this is the best cruise ever let us know too so we can keep you updated and you can volunteer to help out if you have the time.
The cruise will start from Dun Laoghaire and other marinas on the east coast from 18 July to Dingle on the south west on 01 August with the main focus of the cruise being the Gathering Cruise Party in Kinsale on 24 July 2013. Up to 600 like-minded sailors from all over the world will rally in Kinsale to enjoy an evening of artisan foods, Irish music and great craic.
After Kinsale, cruisers will then have an opportunity to explore the coastline of West Cork and Kerry for a week of unscheduled cruising and if time permits boats can gather again in Dingle, Co. Kerry for a Farewell Gathering on 01 August. After the Gathering Cruise there will be a ‘scattering’ where all boats will have the option to continue their cruise in a northerly direction in the company of other cruise participants.
If you wish to join the Gathering Cruise make sure to book early on www.thegatheringcruise.ie is it is limited to 100 boats.
