Two Young N. Ireland Sailors Attract Irish Ferries Support For 2012 Olympic Bid

Two young Northern Ireland sailors, Matt McMurtry and Simon Martin, both members of Ballyholme Yacht Club, are to receive support from leading Irish passenger ferry operator Irish Ferries in their bid to secure a place on Ireland’s team in the 49’er class at the 2012 Olympics.

Currently sailing the smaller yet no less competitive 29’er class boat, Matt (age 17) and Simon (age 17) will be competing in the 2006 World & European Championships. Natives of Jordanstown, where they both live, they first met as classmates at Whiteabbey Primary School. Afterwards, Matt took his secondary education at Belfast Royal Academy while Simon attended Belfast High School.

Now studying physics, maths and biology, Matt began his sailing career just five years ago. Simon, an engineering student, started two years earlier and now has seven years experience under his belt. They began sailing as a team while members of Carrickfergus Sailing Club before moving to the high performance dinghy sailing environment at Ballyholme.

Regarded as the top sailors in their class in Ireland, north or south, Matt and Simon came 14th in the recent British championships. Currently, they rank 65th in Europe and were recently selected on merit for GBR Transitional Squad training.

The sponsorship support being provided by Irish Ferries spans the period February to November next. Taking the form of gratis ferry travel, it will enable them to compete in the various competitions and training events surrounding the 2006 World and European Championships and to transport boats and equipment to the various events taking place in England and Continental Europe.

Irish Ferries operates services between Ireland, UK and France on routes from Dublin/Holyhead, Rosslare/Pembroke and Rosslare/ Cherbourg. Commenting, their Marketing Director Tony Kelly said ‘we are delighted to support these two young potential Irish sailing Olympians. We hope that the support which we are giving will enable them to gain greater experience in the 29’er class so that they may graduate to the more competitive 49'er class as quickly as possible.’