The Irish Laser Association has recently finalised the 2018 Laser racing calendar. Two events in the calendar (Munsters and Ulsters) stand out as they represent the final chance for Irish sailors to get some ranking points for the Master Worlds which will take place in Dun Laoghaire from the 7th to the 15th of Sept 2018.

The Worlds is not an 'open' event and all Irish competitors must be ranked by the Irish Laser Association (ILA) for entry by early May 2018 (entry dates are still TBC). This ranking is based on the results of the previous five qualifying events. These five events are the 2017 Leinsters, Connaughts and Nationals plus the 2018 Munsters (Baltimore 31st March-1st April) and Ulsters (Ballyholme 28th -29th April).

The number of entry places that a country receives is based on the size of the domestic Laser Class Membership. On this basis Ireland can expect approximately 10 places in the first round allocations. As the host country we will also likely receive another ten places. Late entrants often also receive places as other countries don't take up their full allocation.

The ILA is expecting a large number of Irish Laser sailors will want to compete and that there will be high demand for places. The initial allocation of places will be awarded based on the ILA ranking ladder.

The Irish Laser Class is interested to see as many Irish sailors as possible sail in the Irish Worlds and will work on behalf of all class members to achieve this. If you have an aspiration to enter the Worlds the simplest way to make sure you are in the running for a place is to get on the ranking ladder by taking part in the forthcoming Baltimore Munsters (31st March-1st April) and Ballyholme Ulsters (28th -29th April).

The Irish Masters Nationals (not included in the ranking for the Worlds) will be held in the RStGYC, Dun Laoghaire on the 19th and 20th May. It is expected that this will be used as a dry run event for many worlds aspirants and will be a well attended.