Cork duo to set sail for Paris Olympics

A pair of young Cork sailors have their sights firmly set on the upcoming Olympic Games but are in need of a little help to get there.

Competing in the 49er Class in this year’s Paris Olympics is the ultimate challenge for Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC) members Seafra Guilfoyle and Johnny Durcan.

To get there they will first need to compete in three week-long trial regattas: the World Championships in Lanzarote in March, French Olympic Week in Hyeres, France in April, and the European Championships in May, again in France.

Each event will see the lads go head-to-head with up to 90 of the world’s best 49er crews.

Despite limited funding from April 2023 onwards, the pair finished 30th overall at the recent European Championships and are currently doing everything they can to prepare for the beginning of the trials in March.

This includes sailing approximately 20-25 days per month from December through to February as well as raising funds for the purchase of a new boat, sails, mast, and equipment and to pay for coaching, entry fees, transport, and accommodation, none of which are covered by Irish Sailing, Ireland’s national governing body for the sport.

Irish Sailing provided the pair with a boat for the 2023 season and a training boat for 2024.

Seafra and Johnny have been sailing together since mid-2021 with Seafra having sailed the 49er for 7 years while Johnny is now entering his 3rd year in the boat. They both recently managed to attain degrees from UCC while simultaneously sailing full time.

In addition to their Olympic sailing, the pair both coach locally in the RCYC and in local clubs in Dublin where they are based for training.

Seafra and Johnny have set up a GoFundMe page with a target of €7,000 in order to help them to achieve their dream.

Their expected expenses can be broken down to €2,000 for accommodation, €4,000 for coaching, €450 for trial entry, €250 for flights, €300 for rib fuel and other travel expenses.

The team have already received support from their main sponsors CH Marine & Mervue Laboratories, as well as from their families, friends, club members, and private sponsors.

To make a donation to help Seafra and Johnny represent Ireland and Cork in this year’s Olympics, visit gofundme.com/f/cork-sailors-seafra-and-johnny-get-to-the-games.

The 2024 Olympic Games will take place in Paris, France from 26 July - 11 August.