High-profile offshore powerboat race the Venture Cup has been delayed until 2016 after securing significant Irish backing
The next running of the Venture Cup will take place in 2016, with organisers opting to delay the offshore powerboat race for 12 months.
The decision was made after talks in Dublin with a significant Irish backer. As a result, the 2016 Venture Cup will be held entirely within the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Organiser Aidan Foley explained that this delay will allow the event to be fully funded, so competitors will not need to pay an entry fee.
“This change is being driven by our partners. They believe that a truly historic event is there to be delivered,” he said.
With the cancellation of the 2014 Venture Cup in mind, the organisers are taking their time with the next incarnation of the race.
To reassure potential teams, full approval from the Irish Sailing Association and UIM National Authority is expected to be in place from June 2015.
This will be followed up by a full public launch and publicity campaign, starting in July.
The organisers aim to secure worldwide television coverage and attract an audience of close to 1million spectators at three venues across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Should everything go according to plan then the 2016 Venture Cup will take place from 12-19 June 2016.
Aware that there might be a fair amount of lingering scepticism after last year’s 11th hour cancellation, Aidan added: “This event is 100% going to run.
“There are simply too many partners, backers and stakeholders already fully on board for it to fail in any way.”
To get a preview of the spectacular coastal waters that will provide the scenic backdrop for the 2016 Venture Cup, take a look at the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNjsFzyKJOI
