English (UK) 
Sailing Events Boost for the Local Economy
A capsize 100 metres from the finishing line in the last race of the International Cadet UK National championships brought the event to a dramatic conclusion on a windy Thursday afternoon. This incident cost 16-year old Sophie Dingwall and Christopher Sycamore from Fishers Green Sailing Club in Hertfordshire first place overall in the 97 boat entry. Sophie, whose mother comes from Barry in South Wales, was bitterly disappointed at missing out on gold medal position, but remains confident of her position as a member of the UK team to attend the World Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina over this coming Christmas and the New Year.
Over a thousand young sailors together with their families and coaches have attended the two World and three UK National championships hosted by Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club during August.
Bob Lowe, Chairman of the Events Committee at the Sailing Club says “these championships are estimated to have contributed over £1 million to the local economy in Pwllheli.
We have welcomed competitors from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Dutch Antilles, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa and Switzerland. Our guests have enjoyed not only the sailing, but had the opportunity to visit local tourist attractions, the beaches and the Snowdonia mountains. With their T-shirts, team jackets, bicycles, European number plates and overseas voices, a number of local businesses in the town have commented favourably on international atmosphere in the town and the economic benefit to traders.
The Sailing Club also provided a’ Croeso Cynnes’ with locally produced beer and food. A Noson Cymraeg with traditional ‘lobscaws’ and a performance from acclaimed local harpist and singer Gwenan Gibbard provided an opportunity for our visitors to experience a taste of Welsh culture.”
These World and UK championships have been widely reported with eight TV broadcasts on BBC Wales News, Wedi Saith, Newyddion and four radio interviews on Radio Cymru and Radio Wales.
Bob Lowe concluded these events confirm the importance of Pwllheli as a world-class sailing venue and demonstrate the contribution they make to tourism in Wales.
Notes to Editors
Further information and photos can be obtained by speaking to Bob Lowe or Gareth Roberts on 01758 613343.
