Garmin, global leader of satellite navigation, has announced its support as a key sponsor for this year’s Rosslare Small Boats Festival, one of the most prestigious small boat fishing festivals in Europe which runs from 10 to 17 September, across the south east coast of Ireland.
This festival started in 1985 with just five boats fishing and has gone from strength to strength with 45 boats participating this year. The quality of the fishing and variety of species available has helped attract a very high standard of competitor with 138 anglers travelling from all over the UK and Ireland.
Chair of the organising committee, John Belger who has been involved with the event for 26 years is delighted to have sponsorship from such a major player in this arena. He said,
“Garmin products are very popular with small boat fishing enthusiasts so it is a real coup for us to have such a well-respected brand on board. Their portfolio includes some of the industry’s most sophisticated chartplotters, touchscreen multifunction displays and sonar technology. Their high-definition radar, autopilots, high-resolution mapping, sailing instrumentation, and other products and services are known for innovation, reliability, and ease-of-use. I have used Garmin chartplotters and sonar for many years and can personally vouch for their quality and reliability. I’ve no doubt they will be highly sought after by all the teams taking part.
“We are also extremely proud of our association with our other sporting sponsors, DAIWA Sports, as well as Inland Fisheries Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Wexford Council and IPB Insurance.
“The contribution and commitment of all sponsors enables the Committee of fellow anglers to deliver a hugely enjoyable Festival in a professional manner,” said John.
Gail Cook, Director of Marketing Communications for Garmin UK and Ireland is delighted to be involved with the Rosslare Small Boat Fishing Festival, which is steadily growing and has so many competitors coming back year after year.
“At Garmin we think it is really important to support events like this that celebrate anglers love of small boat fishing. Whilst the competition was fierce last year with boats recording up to 38 different species of fish being caught during the competition, the educational benefits with regards to practising catch and release for marine species are hugely beneficial in terms of conservation and creating public awareness of our sea fisheries resource.
“I’ve no doubt the top three winners of this year’s event will put the new Garmin echoMAP CHIRP, Panoptix and Striker 5dv equipment to great use, helping them achieve the clearest scanning sonar of fish and structure on the market,” said Gail.
As well as having a significant presence during the festival, Garmin will be offering competitors and festival goers the opportunity to see some of the new product lines they have in their marine range including the chance to purchase many other products across their wellness, fitness and outdoor ranges.
Go fishing…
- This year’s event will take place from the 10th – 17st September 2016. Inland Fisheries Ireland would like to invite all small boat anglers to take part. Further information is available from: John Belger, 98 Dunbar Road, Southport PR8 4RL, UK. Phone: 00441704566195 or email: [email protected] or Josie Mahon, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Tel: 01 8842 600 or email [email protected].
