ICRA has announced further initiatives and support for under 25 development programmes throughout the country. These initiatives include further funding for Under 25 team entries to events, this time at the J24 Nationals plus the launch of development grants and advice for clubs looking to set up their own Under 25 cruiser racing teams from scratch.
Read the J24 Nationals preview here
ICRA has previously recognised that support is needed for juniors to transition from dinghies to keelboats. Already this year we have provided free entry to seven Under 25 teams at the Frank Keane National Championships in Dun Laoghaire, won by the Under 25 team from Foynes Yacht Club. ICRA has also provided support for Under 25 teams participating at the Irish Sailing Pathfinder Women at the Helm and are now announcing their continued support for the Under 25 teams competing at the J/24 National Championships.
In 2018, ICRA in association with Irish Sailing and the J/24 Association announced the first Under 25 J/24 National Champion which was won by Scandal from Howth Yacht Club. This year ICRA will subsidise free entry for seven Under 25 teams who will compete for that national title from clubs across the country including Howth Yacht Club, Foynes Yacht Club, Sligo Yacht Club, Royal Cork Yacht Club, Mullaghmore Sailing Club, Fastnet Marine Outdoor Education Centre and Tralee Bay Sailing Club.
The J/24 National Championships will take place at Lough Erne Yacht Club from the 23rd to 25th August. There are thirty-one confirmed entries for this very exciting one design cruiser racing fleet. ICRA’s funding will be made available to clubs for their Under 25 teams participation at the championship. ICRA is also announcing an additional prize of a special grant for Under 25 training and development for the club with the overall winner of the Under 25 J24 national title.
To continue its role in supporting pathways to entry for cruiser racing, ICRA is also announcing further development grants and advice for clubs that have yet to start their own Under 25 cruiser racing development programme. Any clubs interested should contact ICRA directly.
