Dun Laoghaire welcomes the world famous Solitaire du Figaro yacht race with Festival des Bateaux

Dun Laoghaire welcomes the world famous Solitaire du Figaro yacht race with Festival des Bateaux, originally uploaded by infomatique.

Between 11th and 14th August 2011, Dun Laoghaire will be the only international stop on the world famous French Solitaire du Figaro sailing race. To celebrate the stopover of this iconic 3,390 km race, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company and the National Yacht Club have joined forces to create Festival des Bateaux.

Dun Laoghaire has a rich maritime and festival history and will play host to Festival des Bateaux for three days. The boats will be in port from the 12th to the 14th of August. The festival features a wide variety of French themed events and attractions. Highlights include fireworks on 12th August, a colourful and varied festival market on the East Pier, a festival stage at Harbour Plaza, festival theme and activities throughout Dun Laoghaire and the Air Core Pipe Band playing as the boats depart on Sunday 14th August. The Dun Laoghaire Business Association welcome the festivities with street bunting, festival Market, street buskers and music, themed shop windows & special floral displays, special Figaro menus in pubs & restaurants, face painting and children’s activities.

The Solitaire du Figaro is a solo multi-stage yacht race created in 1970. The unique character of the race, the presence of great solo sailors and it being open to amateurs, has made it one of the most cherished races in French sailing. For 2011, the single-handed sailors will face a 1,695 nautical mile race in four legs. Starting on 31st July the race will set off from Perros-Guirec in France on a 320 nautical mile stage to Caen. Departing on 7th August the second leg of 470 nautical miles will take the race to Dun Laoghaire arriving on 11th August. The third leg is 475 nautical miles long and the fleet then will set sail from Dun Laoghaire on 14th August to The Vendée in France and the legendary harbour of Les Sables d’Olonne. The fourth and final leg of 430 nautical miles, will take the fleet to Dieppe finishing on 24th August.