#Sailing - Is there drive for a national sailing league in Ireland? A number of new start-up competitions around the world might give Irish sailing clubs some food for thought.

One only has to look to the continent to see the strong demand for league sailing, most recently with the inauguration of the Sailing Champions League last October.

That competition invited 36 of the top sailing clubs from 23 nations to sail in Copenhagen for bragging rights as best club in Europe.

Based on the likes of football's successful Uefa Champions League concept, the Sailing Champions League has its roots in the National German Sailing League that started in 2013 – and spawned a second division last year.

The key to its success was borrowing what works from other sports and keeping things simple: one design, a short race format and plenty of action for spectators.

It's a format replicated in other upstart promotions such as the European Sailing League, and one that's taken the leap across the pond with the announcement of the Premiere Sailing League in the United States, scheduled to set sail in August.

The question is, what can the Irish sailing club scene take from this new trend?

Is there demand for a nationwide league using a standardised format? Would such a move help inject a renewed club spirit into the scene? And how does such an idea fit into the ISA's new five-year strategic plan for the course of Irish sailing?

What are your thoughts? Have your say in the comments below!