#BOATS FOR SALE – It's definitely that time of year again when thoughts turn to getting on the water. If you're buying a boat for the first time, it's probably because you've spent a bit of time on one and like the whole idea. One thing we can guarantee: being on the water is great fun, but it's more than that – it's a way of life. If you take to it, you will begin to see the the world from a different perspective and your leisure time will take on a whole new meaning.

Find a boat that Suits You and Your Pocket

The first and most important consideration is that the boat you buy matches your lifestyle, so you need to know what you want on the water.

So, establish what it is that you most want to do with your boat: the size, how far – or how near – you want to travel, how many people you want to accommodate, what sports events you plan to enter, and whether you'll be inland or offshore.

"A good dealer will ask these questions of a prospective client, and find out exactly what it is they expect from their time on the water," says Tadhg Foley of Marine Action Boats in Tipperary. "Forcing an unsuitable boat onto a client will just backfire on the dealer, as they won't come back for their second – or third – boat, so it's best to be definite about your requirements so the dealer can match boat with buyer. Do you want to ski? Are you going fishing? All these things make a big difference in the type of craft you'll need."

Martin Salmon of MGM Boats says it's important that the buyer gets good value from his boat, in that they get to use it often and well. "We'll often include tuition in a boat-buyer's package," he says, "or make sure that there's an engineer and skipper on board when a new boat owner takes delivery – a 'comprehensive handover', because the more the boat is used, the better."

"If a prospective client has been referred to us by an existing client, we'll often show them a selection of craft and suggest they discuss it with the experienced sailor who referred them to us in the first place," says Hugh Mockler of HM Yachts in Crosshaven. "If they're reluctant to join a sailing school, individual tuition on the new boat can easily be arranged, and joining a club is an excellent way to get into the 'time on the water' way of life. With an active social side and maybe the odd cruise-in-company with like-minded companions, the new boater will soon see the benefits", says Hugh.

Brand New or Pre-Owned

Budget is a big consideration, of course, but there are other factors that will affect whether you buy a new or pre-owned boat.

New boats may suit those who are planning to keep their craft for some time, have been on the water before and know exactly what they want.

However, a five-year-old model could be as much as half the price of a new one, giving you a whole lot more boat for your money. Even a year-old boat will have depreciated by between 20-25% since it left the 'showroom'. There's also the possibility that any snags will be have been ironed out by the previous owner, particularly if they're a careful boater. Martin Salmon of MGM says if you're worred about depreciation, then "buying a used boat can be a good investment if you choose carefully. They don't depreciate as much from the purchase price."

As for the type of boat to buy, the choice is very wide – there are over 40 types out there, and one of them will fit you. Again, it's very much dependant on what you want from your water-based experience. See our 'What's on Offer' guide to boat types and uses.

Brokerage or Private Sale?

As with any big purchase, if you're buying a new boat it's recommended you either buy direct from the manufacturing boatyard or from one of their officially-appointed dealers. Any boat advertised as new that does not appear to originate from either of these sources should be checked out carefully with the boat builder.

There are several routes to buying used boats: from a dealer who has boats in stock as part-exchange; from a broker who sells the boat on behalf of the owner; or from the owners themselves, in a private sale.

Donal McClement of Crosshaven Boatyard in Cork recommends the use of a reputable broker for advice. "The vendor pays the broker's fees, not the buyer, and you have the advantage of the years of experience a broker can bring to the transaction. It's well worth it."

All the necessary paperwork and checks should be in place when buying from dealers and brokers, and their reputation and future business success depends on making their clients happy.

The majority of private sellers are genuine. However, there's a possibility that you're being offered a boat for sale that's stolen, or there's a fraudulent transaction going on. This is the risk taken when not buying from an established business. However, there are precautions you can take to protect yourself and your boating future.

Set the Conditions Before You View

It's a good idea to decide before viewing any boat that you will not buy the first boat you see, or even on the same day you see it. The initial viewing should be part one of a sequence of events to ensure the boat you fancy is really the one for you.

The first view – If it's a new boat, your first visit will be to look over the boat and others in the same range, probably. You'll want to find out about optional extras, colours, delivery lead times, warranty, part exchange (if applicable) and payment terms, as well as price.

A used boat should be checked out for condition; identify any rectification, repairs or improvement work that might need to be done, confirm the asking price and payment terms, and decide if, having examined the boat, you want a sea trial.

The sea trial – If you can take the boat out the first day you see it, so much the better. If not, arrange another time for a sea trial – you have to know how the boat handles on the water.

If it's a power boat, it's good if the engine is cold and not already warmed up when you're taking it out. It could be that it's difficult to start or it may smoke a lot from cold, and with an already-warm engine it's impossible to tell.

Check the boat's steering and handling capabilities at slow speeds, in confined situations. If it's a sea-going boat, see how much it rolls and pitches, taking waves of different sizes at alternative angles; and if it's a planing boat, check how quickly and easily it gets on the plane. Make a mental note of the sea conditions – a boat's performance is relative to the sea condition in which it's operating.

If it's a sailing boat, try different points of sail, sailing into and away from the wind and check the boat's manoeuvrability, stability and performance of the sails and rigging under load. And also check how the boat performs on the engine. At the end of the sea trial, re-examine the bilges, engine compartment and the boat generally for any evidence of oil or water leaks.

Remember also to check used boats for title, charges and theft. "The single most important thing you need, if your boat is a post-1985 model, is proof of payment of VAT," says Donal McClement. "If VAT is paid in one member state, it is considered paid in all member states." Proof of VAT payment can take the form of the original invoice or VAT receipt: "It's unlikely that people would have the VAT receipt, though, as it would come from the original dealer," says Donal. "However, liability rests with the buyer if no proof of payment is provided."

With a used boat there are some checks and information gathering that you should carry out. These checks concern EU RCD compliance, validation of Hull Indentification Number (HIN) number, Declaration of Conformity, the aforementioned evidence of VAT compliance and searches for finance outstanding.

Again, according to Donal at Crosshaven, the CE plate/stamp on the boat is vitally important, so make sure it's there.

When you've seen evidence of build and VAT compliance, and have all of the information that you need to carry out your basic security checks, you should take some time to 'think about it' and get these checks done.

Assuming the boat passes your essential security checks, and that this boat is definitely the one for you, arrange for a professional surveyor to examine the boat. Use a reputable surveyor.

Cutting the Middleman

Bernard Gallagher of Dublin's BJ Marine believes purchasers get the best value from their local dealer: "Most Irish boatyards are dealing direct with the manufacturer, so there's no middle man." Gallagher says the larger manufacturers are offering very good value to their dealers; "We've never bought better, so we can pass on those savings to our customers." He also says it's never been easier to check the value of boats, with access to the internet and boating publications.

So, before entering into negotiations with a seller, you need to decide what price you're prepared to offer and at what price you're prepared to settle.

With a new boat, it's quite rare to pay the brochure price. What you may be offered as a discount depends on many factors such as availability, demand, and model age – it's all down to timing and negotiation.

With used boats, it's less straightforward. The simplest way is to compare the boat you're interested in with other boats for sale of the same make and model. But be sure you're comparing like with like. Age, condition and specification make a difference as well as the ancillary equipment that's included in the sale, so make allowances for any differences in these.

Negotiating A Deal

New boats – Timing is important when buying a new boat. Special deals are often available during boat shows, towards the financial year-end of the boat builder or dealer, and when a model is due to be superseded by an updated version. So do all your research, be aware of model cycles, decide what you want to buy and then try to negotiate at the best time.

If discounts aren't on offer or are lower than you would wish, you might do better to negotiate the inclusion of ancillary equipment in the price; items such as ropes, fenders, lifejackets, GPS, depth sounders, chart plotters and even deck cushions, a CD system or a cooler bag. The value to you is higher than it costs the dealer to supply these items, so having some of them 'thrown in' can be a good compromise.

Used boats – With used boats, the selling price might represent great value as it is, but then again it might not: only your research will tell you which way round it is.

However, any combination of the following should help you to persuade the seller that there is room for negotiation:

• Ancillary equipment that is missing, in poor condition, not working, out of date or not included in the sale;

• Faults and rectification work required and identified by you or your boat surveyor;

• Lack of documentation such as:

– Original sales invoice and evidence of VAT compliance

– Builders certificate and CE declaration of conformity

– Boat manual

– Service history

– Current safety certificate on a canal boat

– VHF radio licence (if applicable). Note: Donal McClement of Crosshaven Boatyard reminded us that the VHF radio licence stays with the craft, "it used to stay with the owner, but now belongs to the boat."

Financing Your Boat

When buying through a dealer or broker, expect to be asked for a deposit, which may be non-refundable if you back out of the transaction. So be sure that you want to buy and have the funds available before you commit.

If you require finance, dealer and brokers may be able to introduce you to alternative sources of borrowing (for which they may receive a commission, so bear this in mind when negotiating).

MGM waiver their commission in lots of cases, according to Salmon. "In the current fiscal climate where finance companies are looking at every detail, it's more important to have the client get finance for the boat they want."

With a marine mortgage, you can normally obtain up to 80% of the purchase price secured against your boat. Before granting a marine mortgage the finance house will require a full, out-of-water survey and valuation on boats other than brand new boats. The lender will also check that there is no finance outstanding on a new boat.

Dealing with a private individual is slightly more complex. They are not professional sellers and will not necessarily know how to formalise the transaction to help protect not only themselves but you as well. So it is as much in your interests as theirs to ensure all potential purchasing disasters are avoided.

What's out there?

Inland Boats

Canal and narrowboats – Usually built of steel, the hulls can last a lifetime if minded. Ideal for pottering peacefully about the canals and less tidal rivers at about 4mph, for days or even weeks at a time. These boats are low maintenance, very economic on fuel and often include most home comforts.

River boats – Usually built of GRP and lighter than their steel counterparts, they're more powerful than narrowboats so can be used comfortably in tidal rivers as well as the odd excursion out to sea in calm conditions. They are, however, more expensive to operate and maintain.

Sea-going boats

Bowriders, cuddy boats, dinghies, dorys and ribs – All different types of day boats that are the ultimate in flexibility whether it's usage, power, speed, manoeuvrability or access to land, coves and beaches. They can be comfortable in calm and slight seas as well as a pleasure to cruise at the appropriate speed up rivers. These boats can usually be trailed and so can be towed to different locations throughout the country, as well as abroad, providing access to a multitude of sea, lake and river locations.

Speedboats, sports boats and sport fishers – These are high-powered, high-speed boats, great at riding the waves out at sea and delivering the thrills and spills of watersports, whether it's waterskiing, wakeboarding, keeping up with the fish or simply the excitement of speed.

Motor boats and motor sailors – These are the motor boats that are built more for the sea than the river, and are typically the boats you'd find moored in marinas around the coast. Generally, they fall into three categories:

Planing Boats are designed to rise up and ride on top of the water, ideally operating at a high speed. They are perfect for transporting people from marina to marina and to stay overnight on, whether it's along the coast of Ireland or over to the UK, the Channel Islands or maybe even to France. They're also great for day use to find those calm bays from which to anchor off by a quiet beach or lunch and a swim, or maybe a visit on land, using a small on-board dinghy.

Displacement Boats are designed to glide through the water at slow speeds, moving the water out of the way, pushing it sideways and down. They are very stable and comfortable in moderate or rough seas. Built for overnight and sometimes 'live-aboard' use, whether in a marina, ashore, or on a buoy, these boats are ideal for those who wish to travel distances economically and have plenty of time to get there.

Semi-displacement boats fall between the planing and displacement boats. They're comfortable, stable, with less tendency to roll than the steel displacement boats, the semi-displacement is intended to give you the best of both worlds – higher top speed with comfort at the lower speed. Having a smaller draft, this type of boat is often designed for river use as well as for offshore.

Sailing Yachts – These boats obtain their power from the wind with the use of sails and normally have a small engine to navigate rivers (for use if 'sailing' is restricted or not allowed) or manoeuvre in harbours and marinas. There are many types of sailing boat but what they have in common is that they provide a comfortable, peaceful yet exhilarating experience on the water that is also comparatively economic.

However, sailing requires you to understand and deal with many of the elements – wind, tide, prevailing currents – and means you must plan your journeys carefully to ensure that you don't get caught out by the weather and tidal gates, not to mention navigation skills, or a lack of them.

However, for those who want to be at one with the sea and have the time to acquire the skills needed to get out in a sailboat, there's nothing more wonderful.

Putting your boat up for sale

Clean it, start it and check it

There are lots of boats for sale and probably quite a few like yours on the market at the same time you want to sell yours, so if you want to sell your boat more quickly than the rest, then it needs to stand out from others. That requires effort and a little investment.

Your boat needs to be clean. For example, the hull, the superstructure, the decks, rails, windows, carpets, curtains, galley surfaces, toilet, bilges, engine compartment, fenders, canvas covers and sails need to look as clean and tidy as possible while it is up for sale.

Check in particular that the engine(s) start easily from cold, as well as from warm, that rigging and sails operate smoothly, and that the navigation lights work, as should the horn, bilge pumps, internal lights, winches, heating, gas appliances, generator, cooking facilities, taps, and toilets.

Check the engine oil and water levels, and check for worn hoses, connectors and fuel lines that would be better replaced. Also, if there is any ancillary equipment that you plan not to include in the sale of your boat, remove it, at least when the boat is being viewed. Within reason, replace or refurbish anything that simply won't clean up, is badly worn, or is not working.

Paperwork you need to sell

To obtain top price for your boat, you should ensure that all your boat documents are in order.

Documents of compliance If your boat was manufactured after June 16th 1998 you should have a 'Declaration of Conformity', stating that your boat complies with the EU Recreational Craft Directive. If you've lost this piece of paper, there should be the boat builder's CE plate inside your boat; the original manufacturer will be shown on the plate and you can contact them for a duplicate declaration.

The more service and maintenance records that you possess, the more you can justify a top price for your boat.

Additionally you should have your boat's original sales invoice which shows that the VAT on your boat was accounted for. Once more, if you have lost this, contact the boat builder. If they didn't sell the boat directly themselves, they should know who did. When you know who sold the boat originally, you can contact them for a copy of the original sales invoice.

Assessing what it's worth

To decide what price at which to sell your boat, do what the buyers do – research the current market. This means looking through magazines like Afloat and noting what prices are being asked by brokers and dealers – and private advertisers – for your type of boat. Remember that your boat may well be worth more than those you've seen advertised, depending on several factors including specification and condition.

Once you've carried out your assessment, then you can decide at what price to advertise.

If you sell through a broker, they'll be able to advise you. If you're selling privately, you should aim to set your price just below that advertised by brokers for an identical boat, leaving you room for negotiation, to end up with a satisfactory price. However, if you want to sell it quickly, then you may have to think again. It's up to you.

Go for broker?

When selling your boat, you do have a choice: to let a professional do it for you by using a dealer or independent broker, or whether to handle the sale yourself. There are benefits and drawbacks to both – and the decision can only be made by you.

Choosing a broker or dealer

The benefit of using either a dealer or a broker is that they make the job of selling your boat comparatively easy and worry-free for you. They'll manage the sale from beginning to end.

They'll deal with the advertising, sea or river trials, liaise with surveyors, rectification work contractors employed on your behalf, assist with negotiations and deal with all the paperwork. And, in some cases, they'll even berth or store your boat in their yard free of charge, to enhance their display of boats for sale and make it easier to show potential buyers your boat.

But this comes at a cost. You can expect to pay a sales commission of between 6% and 10% of your boat's selling price, plus VAT. The percentage charged principally depends upon your boat's value; the lower the boat value, the higher the percentage charged.

Additionally, you may incur charges for storage, cleaning, maintenance, a contribution towards advertising, sea or river trials as well as underwrite surveyor and rectification costs. All of this, together with the sales commission percentage, needs to be negotiated and agreed to in writing with the broker or dealer concerned.

Selling your Boat Privately

If you choose to sell your boat privately, you'll get the benefit of saving the costs of a dealer or broker, but you'll need to get organised.

If you've followed this guide so far, you'll already have assembled the paperwork that will not only enhance the value of your boat but makes it easier to sell.

Your Advertising Campaign

Now you need to plan your advertising campaign. Check local press to see what your options are and how much they cost. Afloat, for instance, would include your ad on their website as well as their printed magazine, so it's not just paper advertising but high-profile internet promotion.

Decide what size of ad and what duration you wish. It's a good idea to take some good quality photographs of your boat and, in the text of your advert, include all of those items that will help set your boat apart from the rest, justify your sales price and attract potential buyers. Don't forget to include full details of your boat's description and specification.

Also ensure to include full contact details and make sure they're correct. If possible, supply both daytime and evening contact numbers, mobile and landline, as well as an email address if possible.

Dealing with Enquiries

Make a list of potential dates and times that buyers can view and test your boat so that when the telephone rings, you have all of that information to hand and can deal with the enquiry professionally.

Negotiating the Sale

The secret to sales negotiation is to be well prepared.

If you've followed the steps contained in this guide, you will already know how a potential buyer is going to try to dive the price down. So work out either how you plan to counter this or by how much – if anything – you're prepared to adjust your price for any items that may be spotted by a potential buyer.

Also, think abut whether there is anything that you can 'trade' with, that has less of a value to you than money off the selling price. This may satisfy the buyer's need to obtain a discount and at the same time be acceptable to you.

With boats, the first offer you receive can often be the best offer, so think carefully before turning down an offer that falls just short of your asking price or the price that you were originally prepared to accept. It may be some while before you receive another.

Cash is King

Unfortunately, cheques or banker's drafts are no longer totally secure methods of receiving payment.

With a banker's draft, you should ensure that your bank has honoured the draft before signing the boat over to the buyer, as payment is no longer guaranteed. This method helps protect you legally in the event of a cheque or draft not being honoured. To ensure that a cheque is going to be honoured, ask your bank for an express clearance. A charge will likely apply for this service.

Also, do not accept a cheque for an amount more than your asking price! Some sellers have actually accepted a cheque made payable to a third party for more than their asking price and then issued 'change' for the difference – and been surprised that they lost both boat and money.

Even cash could be counterfeit – unlikely, but possible – so when accepting cash as settlement, it'll be for you to make the judgment as to the trustworthiness of your purchaser.

Minimizing Your Risk

To reduce the chance of losing boat and/or money, always get the full name, address, telephone number/s and email address of a prospective buyer, and check them out as best you can before agreeing to anything. For instance, find a reason to send an email that needs a reply, and yet another reason to telephone the prospect and check how the telephone is answered.

If the purchaser lives near you, carry out a 'drive by' to see if the car that they drove to come view your boat is the one in the driveway. And if they're buying your boat 'blind' – that is, they've never been to view your boat – alarm bells should be ringing loudly. Have you ever bought a boat blind? Would you ever? If you wouldn't, why should they? Exactly.

#KINSALE – In contrast to last week's bruising battle, a dying, shifting breeze, pleasant sunshine and shortened courses were the order of the day for competitors in the North Sails sponsored third week of the Kinsale Yacht Club Spring Series writes Peadar Muphy.

OD Donal Hayes sent the White Sail fleets out from Charles Fort to Hake Head, but had to end the race there to ensure that all finished before the zephyrs died out. Nonetheless, in White Sail One the three leading boats crossed the line within 19 seconds on the water, with Stephen Lysaght's Reavra claiming the bullet by one second from the Murphy, Hennessy and Dann team on Val Kriss. Peter Kelly's Magic Elfin popped up in third place again after being blown out last week. Overall it's tight at the head of affairs, with the top six separated by just four points - Reavra holding a one point lead from both Dave Ross' Sonas and Val Kriss.

In White Sail Two, the Lannigan's Privateer claimed an impressive bullet, by six seconds on corrected time, from the in form Windrose skippered by Billy Joyce. The ladies on Guiness Kann came home in third position with the Goode and Forde duo also in third overall on 10 points. Dave Cullinane's Delos is in second on eight points and Windrose is a further point ahead. With discards in White Sail not applying until five races have been completed, it's likely that both of these classes will see a final day shoot out for the podium spots.

Out near the Bulman Buoy, OD Tony Ireson set about giving the Class Three and Class Four fleets a challenging coastal course that gave sufficient options for shortening given the conditions. Both fleets headed out to Black Head and then east to the Sovereign Mark. In lottery-like conditions, the Marron and O'Connell partnership on Bandit, found themselves parked up and enviously monitoring Class Three rival Padraig O'Donovan's progress on Chameleon. In the game of Snakes and Ladders, they got their chance later and grabbed it and went on to score a crushing victory, claiming their fifth bullet in succession in IRC and leading Chameleon home by over 30 minutes and the Ryan/Tyler team on Away on Business by over 40 minutes on corrected time. Bandit is on out on her own at the top of the IRC Three leader board, with the discard coming in to play this week. Finbarr Dorgan's No Half Measures retains second spot on eight points, even though she missed this week's events and Chameleon lies in third spot a further four points in arrears. In ECHO Three, the finishing order was the same, albeit much closer with the progressive handicapping well reflecting the boats' potential. Overall, No Half Measures holds onto top spot with Bandit and Chamelon tied on points just one point behind.

In IRC Four, Alan Mulcahy's yellow-hulled Sundancer led Richard Hanley's Saoirse home in the sunshine for the third race in a row with Michael Murphy's Shelly D claiming the third spot. The three have this class to themselves and this week's action reflected the overall picture, with Sundancer holding a two point lead from Saoirse, with Shelly D four points further adrift. In ECHO Four, Hanley's Saoirse claimed the bullet, with Shelly D pushing Sundancer down to third spot on the day. Overall, Saoirse holds a slender one point advantage over Sundancer, with the Higgins and Morrison pairing on La Maraquita holding onto third spot, despite retiring from Sunday's lengthy challenge.

A mile or more south of the Bulman Buoy, OD Tony Small and team set up the windward-leeward courses for classes zero, one and two. All fleets were well-behaved for the first races' starts, with both the Class Two and the combined Class Zero and One fleets getting away cleanly. The top mark was initially laid west of the Sovereign Mark, and the shifting breeze and the wind shadow from the Sovereign Rocks presented plenty of opportunities for big gains and losses. In IRC 2, Brian Goggin's Allure came home first by 14 seconds on corrected time from Clem and Wendy McElligott's Sea Hawk with the RCYC team on Bad Company just 19 seconds further behind. There was a delay and then an abandoned sequence before the breeze settled sufficiently to lay a new windward mark. In the second race, John O'Regan and company on The Main Four read the conditions best and came home to claim the bullet from the consistent Sea Hawk and Allure in third. Overall in IRC Two, Brian Goggins' Allure leads the way, with the Desmond, Ivers and Deasy outfit on Bad Company in second overall, despite having a race to forget in their latter outing on Sunday. Fortunately for them the discard is in play at this stage and gives Bad Company a three point lead from the KYC team on Sea Hawk. In ECHO 2, Sea Hawk leads overall after a bullet and third in the two races. The Main 4 made it a clean sweep in the second race and now holds second place overall in ECHO Two five points behind Sea Hawk, having discarded a ninth place finish from the first race where Lady Luck did not shine on them on their side of the beat. Bad Company lies a further two points astern.

In Class One, the Nagle and O'Malley team on Jelly Baby had a good day at the office claiming two bullets in IRC One. David Scott's Eos was hot on their heels in the first race, finishing just six seconds behind on corrected time, but they were called over the line at the start of the second race and in the very light and fluky conditions, getting back to the correct side of the start line proved costly. Dan Buckley's J109 Justus was as ever ready to pounce on any mistake and took the second place on offer to go with the third place she scored in the first race, while the Carroll Brothers on Chancer grabbed third place in the second race. Overall in IRC One, Jelly Baby has a two point lead over Eos, and is currently in the comfortable position of discarding a second place finish. Justus is a further six points adrift in third. In ECHO One, Justus and Chancer claimed their first wins of the series, while overall Jelly Baby holds a one point advantage over Aidan Heffernan's Indulgence, which was unable to repeat her heroics of last week. She's tied on points with Justus at this time.

Kieran Twomey's Gloves Off continues to set the standard in Class Zero IRC, scoring an emphatic victory in the first race of the day coming home almost seven minutes ahead of Tom Roche's Meridian on corrected time. Conor Doyle's consistent Freya came home third, but in the second race she chose the perfect line through all the holes in the breeze to round the top mark first and as the run to the finish line was transformed by a massive swing in the wind into a beat, reacted swiftly to claim the bullet by six seconds on corrected time from Gloves Off, which had taken a somewhat circuitous route through the wind holes to the top mark, but made amends on the way to the finish line. Tony O'Brien's White Tiger somehow avoided the melee at the start of the second race which saw both Meridian and Eos over the line and revelled in the conditions to claim a comfortable third. Overall, Gloves Off holds a one point lead over Freya with John Godkin's Godot 9.5 points behind, but with White Tiger and Meridian hot on her heals.

In IRC Restricted, Jelly Baby tops the table overall, with Eos three points off the pace. Freya and Justus lie a further eight points behind.

#MISSING SAILORS - The US Coast Guard last night suspended its search for four yacht crew members - including two Irish sailors - who went missing after what's being described as San Francisco's worst ever sailing accident, Fox News reports.

Petty Officer Caleb Critchfield told the Associated Press: "There's a window of survivability and we searched well beyond that window."

Boats and aircraft had combed over 5,000 square miles of ocean in a marathon 30-hour operation before the search was halted at sunset last night. It is not expected to resume.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the missing include Irish yachtsmen Alan Cahill, originally from Blarney in Co Cork, and his friend Elmer Morrissey, who had moved to the US for work only last year, according to friends and colleagues on Facebook.

The two men, along with fellow crew Jordan Fromm, Alexis Busch and Marc Kasanin, were thrown into the frigid water after their 38-foot yacht Low Speed Chase ran aground at the Farallon Islands, some 25 miles off the coast of San Francisco in northern California.

Three other crewmembers, including the boat's owner and skipper James Bradford, were rescued from the rocks shortly after the incident. The body of Kasanin, 45, was recovered from the water hours later.

The boat had been competing in the Full Crew Farallones Race with 40 other yachts between San Francisco and the islands when the tragedy occurred.

Known for its rough conditions with 14-foot swells and winds of up to 20 knots, the near-century old tradition has "never been for the faint of heart".

#MISSING SAILORS – A second Irish sailor is reported among the crew missing from a yacht capsized onto rocks in San Francisco's worst sailing accident in recent times on Saturday.

The acccient has left one dead and four missing.

Cork professional sailor Alan Cahill who was based in the United States for over 15 years but who learned to sail at Royal CorkYacht Club has been named by the San Franciso Yacht Club as one of the missing crew here.

"It's a tragedy of unbelievable proportions," said yacht club director Ed Lynch. "It doesn't affect just this club, it affects sailors all over the world. It's going to hit us hard for a long, long time. "We're all deeply saddened."

Local media are reporting this morning that another Irish sailor Elmer Morrissey is the fourth missing crew man but organisers, the San Francisco Yacht Club, say the final missing crewman's name will not be revealed until his family have been informed.

The Irish Independent reports that Morrissey is from Cork and was on board the 38-ft Low Speed Chase was competing in the race from San Francisco Bay around the Farallon Islands, some 27 miles off the US west coast.

RTE News is reporting that Alan Cahill is a married father of two young children, is originally from Cork, but lived in Tiburon, San Francisco. Cahil's friend Elmer Morrissey was on his second day visiting from Ireland.

A Mayday call reporting the accident went out at about 3 p.m on Saturday.

Forty-nine boats competed in this year's race, which started Saturday, taking the fleet out the Golden Gate Bridge and around the Southeast Farallones Island.

#BOATS FOR SALE – A 1995 Nauticat 32 that the broker says is 'a really good example of this quality pilot-house cruising yacht', a 1984 Jeanneau Arcadia 29 designed by Tony Castro, a 2005 Beneteau First 36.7 with a rig replacement and a Princess 415 motorboat that 'must be sold' have been added to the Afloat Boats for sale site over the last 24 hours. Check out over 286 boats for sale here

#TALL SHIPS - The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has secured three-quarters of the funding it required to refit its research vessel Celtic Mist.

According to The Irish Times, the Clare Local Development Company has approved the allocation of a €48,000 grant towards the refurbishment of the ketch.

The work will be carried out by Cathal Blunnie and several sub-contractors, and involves stripping down the main cabin and removing the bath and shower to increase space for crew berths.

While the ship's clock will be retained, the ship’s wheel in the main cabin will be removed and presented to the Haughey family as a gesture of appreciation.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the 52-foot yacht - which was gifted by the Haughey family to the IWDG to assist in its marine wildlife conservation work - entered dry dock last November in preparation for the refit work, after relocating to its new berth at Kilrush, Co Clare in July.

This followed its last jaunt at sea in its former guise, completing a leg of the Tall Ships Races from Waterford to Greenock in Scotland.

The cost of refurbishing the yacht for research and training purposes is expected to top €60,000, with an annual running cost of some €20,000, for which the IWDG is seeking ongoing financial assistance.

The group aims to get the Celtic Mist back at sea before the summer.

Last month AIB pulled the plug on sailing club fees for staff. Next month the Irish Sailing Association aims to rejig the annual fee it charges to clubs at an egm. They are signs that the necklace of over 70 yacht clubs around the coast and on inland waters are under financial pressure. No wonder as the cost of going sailing, as well as many other sports in Ireland, proves too much to bear for many families.

In his recent column (below) in the Evening Echo Marine Correspondent Tom MacSweeney highlighted the need for Sailing Clubs around the coast to do all they can to help struggling memberships. 

Membership is becoming an issue for sailing clubs to judge from what club officers around the coast have been telling me. It is a sign of the economic times. Families and individuals have to examine closely what to do with the money they have left after the government has raided their incomes.

I have been told that club members and particularly those holding family memberships are looking at how much they pay for an inclusive membership and reducing it to just one individual membership. Others have told me that they are faced with deferring payments or foregoing membership altogether.

Clubs are responding to the situation in different ways.

While the more realistic are taking steps to deal with the issue, there are indications that others are ignoring a situation that, it appears, could affect the popularity of the sport. This may be from an entrenched position or snobbish attitude where they don't want to admit difficulties in public. An inadvisable situation when income is being squeezed and the future challenged.

Payment systems such as monthly standing orders, direct debits, concessions for early payments, have been introduced by those clubs realistically dealing with the situation. Sailing is not the only sporting activity being affected, I hear of golf, rugby, soccer and other clubs feeling the pinch of reduced incomes, soaring taxes and charges levied on household incomes by the government. Something has to give because there is a limit to the amount of money people have. Government politicians seem incapable of understanding that people have not got enough money or sufficient disposable incomes because of the State raping their salaries.

Another aspect of the impact of deteriorating income levels appears to be the demand for marina spaces, with boat owners not as active as they had been in seeking berths and telling me frankly they cannot stretch incomes to afford prices during high season. Some boatyards are feeling the effects also around the country, as are yacht sales. A lot of boats are for sale and replacement plans by sailors who had planned to upgrade have been put on hold.

The oldest yacht club in the world, the Royal Cork at Crosshaven, has been responding to the challenging times. Last season it introduced a monthly membership scheme and a crew membership system as an innovative response to the challenge which the sport faces.

When he took over as the club's new Admiral at its annual general meeting last Monday night in the Crosshaven clubhouse, Peter Deasy acted immediately, announcing that the club would take further steps to address the issue.

He has taken office for a two-year period in succession to Paddy McGlade, a post which follows his successful leadership of the last Cork Week two years ago when he was Chairman. Cork Week will be held again this year, from July 7 to 13.

"There is a membership challenge, it is one facing all clubs in these times and it will be addressed by this club," he said. He stressed the importance of encouraging more people into sailing. The club is to carry out a review of its membership system, amongst other steps. On Monday night members approved an increase in subscription levels for those over 65, who pay a reduced rate as 'seniors,' as is the situation in many clubs.

The RCYC is taking a realistic, determined approach toward what is an issue born of these difficult national economic times. Peter Deasy also emphasised the importance of encouraging young sailors and keeping them within the sport.

This is a topic I have addressed before. Not every young sailor will reach the top competitively, but all are needed to remain in the sport in this island nation. When they emerge from dinghies there is a difficulty, experienced in many clubs around the coast, of maintaining their involvement.

#WORLD RECORD - France's Banque Populaire V has smashed the record for the fastest yacht sailing around the world, shaving nearly three days off the previous best.

BBC News reports that the yacht's 14-man crew crossed the line at 45 days, 13 hours, 42 minutes and 53 seconds to claim the Jules Verne Trophy - knocking 2 days, 18 hours, 1 minute and 59 seconds off the standing world record set by Groupama 3 nearly two years ago.

The 40-metre trimaran, which last year also set a record time in the gruelling Fastnet Race, raced around the globe with an average speed of 26.5 knots.

And the Loïck Peyron-skippered yacht would have beaten the challenge even sooner had it not been delayed for almost two days due to bad weather.

"It was an amazing feeling crossing the line," said crew member Brian Thompson in an audio interview with sailor Hannah White.

Franck Cammas, skipper of Groupama 3 and currently competing in the Volvo Ocean Race, also offered his congratulations to the Banque Populaire team.

"Obviously it's a superb performance as it's always complicated to sail around the world," he told Sail World. "Aboard boats which go so fast, you have to know how to keep pace and drive them at the right speed so as not to break them.

"The crew of Banque Populaire knew how to do it and they did a fine job."

#REGATTA–The four Dun Laoghaire waterfront Yacht Clubs have released their sailing regatta dates for 2012. In spite of many other racing fixtures on the bay the waterfront regattas remain a traditional favourite starting with the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club event on Saturday, June 9th.

Dun Laoghaire Yacht Club Regatta Calendar

Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club Regatta 9th June

National Yacht Club Regatta 23rd June

Royal Irish Yacht Club Regatta 30th June

Royal St. George Yacht Club Regatta 7th July

#SAILING-Dublin Bay organisers have published detials of next year's 2012 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships that will be staged on the captial's waters, one of Dublin's biggest sporting events in 2012.

The Notice of Race for the 2012 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship, the 42nd version of the championship has been released.

Over 300 of the world's top youth sailors are expected to descend on Dublin Bay from 12-21 July 2012 and add their name to a list of winners that includes triple Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie (GBR), three-time America's Cup winner Russell Coutts (NZL) and four time Olympic gold medallist Alessandra Sensini (ITA).

After the 2011 ISAF Youth Worlds in Croatia, Brian Craig, Dublin Bay 2012 Chairman, said, "We're in good shape. There's been a lot of interest in it, both public and from the sailing community in Ireland. A group of about 50 have been working on this project for about four years now.

"This is the biggest yachting event ever to come to Ireland. We've had some big races but from the pure sports side this really is the biggest thing we've ever done.

"Ireland is really going to pull behind this event; there is no doubt about that."

A full interview with Brian Craig on the Dublin Bay 2012 build up is here.

The 2012 Youth Worlds will take place on Dublin Bay, based at Dun Laoghaire. Dun Laoghaire is a historic town on the outskirts of Dublin. The harbour, opening on to Dublin Bay is a large man made port dating back to the 19th century when it was built for a visit of Queen Victoria.

The horse-shoe shaped bay, open to the east and approximately six miles cross, allows for fair racing. The winds are predominantly driven by the North Atlantic weather systems passing over the country resulting in a prevailing south westerly breeze giving a range of sailing conditions. Dublin Bay is subject to tide and although the speed of the current is not excessive it is often of tactical importance. The size of the bay is capable of accommodating large fleets and multiple courses.

The Royal St George Yacht Club (RSGYC) will host the 2012 championship in association with its neighbouring clubs, the National Yacht Club (NYC) and the Royal Irish Yacht Club (RIYC).

Open to competitors aged under 19 in the year of the championship (i.e. for Ireland, under 19 on 31 December 2012) in the events and equipment listed below (all supplied), the Youth Worlds occupies a unique place in the sailing calendar. Simply getting to the championship is a major achievement for most as entry is limited to one boat per nation, per event, meaning sailors first having to win through their national qualification series.

2011 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship Events

Event - Equipment

Boy's One Person Dinghy - Laser Radial

Girl's One Person Dinghy - Laser Radial

Boy's Two Person Dinghy - 420

Girl's Two Person Dinghy - 420

Boy's Windsurfer - RS:X with 8.5m2 sail

Girl's Windsurfer - RS:X with 8.5m2 sail

Open Multihull - Sirena SL16

Open Skiff - 29er

The notice of race published by the organisers is below:

42nd ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship 2012

12 - 21 July 2012, Dun Laoghaire, Ireland
Notice of Race
Approved by ISAF November 23, 2011
1. GENERAL
1.1 The Irish Sailing Association together with The Royal St George Yacht Club, National Yacht
Club and Royal Irish Yacht Club will host the 42nd ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship
and cordially invites all ISAF member national authorities to participate. The event will be held
from 12 to 21 July 2012.
1.2 The venue will be at the Royal St George Yacht Club and the National Yacht Club.
2. ORGANIZING AUTHORITY
The Championship will be organized by Dublin Bay Youth Worlds 2012 Limited a not-for-profit
company in conjunction with the Irish Sailing Association under the authority of the
International Sailing Federation (ISAF).
Address: Youth Worlds 2012
Royal St George Yacht Club,
Dun Laoghaire,
Co Dubllin
Telephone: +353 872 235 148
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.isafyouthworlds.com
www.dublinbay2012.com
3. RULES
3.1 The regatta will be governed by the rules as defined in The Racing Rules of Sailing.
3.2 No national prescriptions will apply.
3.3 Class rules regarding membership will not apply.
3.4 In accordance with the ISAF Advertising Code, advertising on the supplied equipment is only
available to the organising authority. Competitors shall wear bibs supplied by the organizing
committee.
4. EVENTS, CLASSES, EQUIPMENT AND EQUIPMENT CHECK
4.1 The events and classes are as follows:
EVENT CLASS
Boy’s One Person Dinghy Laser Radial
Girl’s One Person Dinghy Laser Radial
Boy’s Two Person Dinghy 420
Girl’s Two Person Dinghy 420
Boy’s Windsurfer RS:X with 8.5m2 sail & 60cm fin
Girl’s Windsurfer RS:X with 8.5m2 sail & 60cm fin
Open Skiff 29er
Open Multihull SL 16
4.2 A penalty may be given or the use of the equipment may be withdrawn if, in the opinion of the
organizing authority, a competitor treats or handles the equipment without care or in a manner
which causes or is likely to cause damage to the equipment.
4.3 All equipment will, except items listed in 4.4 and 4.5, be supplied free of charge including rig,
sail and gear for all classes (except items mentioned in 4.7, 4.8, 4.9 and 4.10).
4.4 The organizing authority will not supply compasses or other tactical devices, wind indicators,
buoyancy jackets, trapeze harnesses, hiking pants, wet or dry suits or other personal gear. No
modification to the equipment shall be made unless authorized by the organizing authority.
4.5 Competitors may bring and use the following items sponge, hand bailer, water bottles (only to
be attached to the equipment with rope or tape), shockcords, compass, wind indicators,
including yarn or thread (may be tied or taped anywhere on the equipment, provided their
fitting does not mark, pierce or damage the hull, deck, sails or spars).
4.6 Adhesive tape may be used anywhere above the waterline, but the tape needs to be
removable after the event without leaving any permanent damage. There shall be no writing
with permanent markers directly on the supplied equipment. No wax shall be applied. Hulls,
centreboards and rudders may be cleaned, but only with water and ordinary soap.
4.7 For Laser Radial only: Competitors must bring their own lines, sheet and blocks
(including ratchet block, outhaul, cunningham, traveller and vang systems) and
tiller/tiller extension. Competitors will be supplied with a fully fitted Laser hull including the
deck block fitting and the two single blocks and cleats for the deck led cunningham and
outhaul systems. The boats will be supplied with mini side deck cleats for the main sheet,
centreboard, rudder, mast, boom and sail.
4.8 For 420 only: Competitors must bring their own tow-rope (in accordance with
specification of the class rules). Competitors may bring and use a fitting made of
tape/wood/plastic and shockcord for retaining the spinnaker halyard. This fitting shall only be
attached using tape and not in a position above the gooseneck.
4.9 For RS:X only: Competitors must bring their own outhaul, downhaul systems (ropes,
cleats and pulleys) and the uphaul line. No permanent fixings will be used to attach these.
Harness lines will not be provided by the organisers.
4.10 For 29’er only: The boat's sails, spars, rigging, control lines and fittings shall be used as
supplied, unless alterations or additions are specifically authorized by the ISAF Technical
Delegate. The boats will be fitted with foot straps. Competitors may install their own tiller
extension, or twin extensions, but the attachment fitting must be left installed on the tiller at the
end of the regatta.
4.11 The equipment will not be required to be pre-measured. However, a boat or equipment may
be inspected at any time for compliance with the rules.
4.12 Boats may be required to carry cameras, sound devices or positioning devices as specified by
the organising authority.
4.13 Failure of supplied equipment will not be grounds for redress. This changes rule 62.1(a).
5. ENTRIES
5.1 A national authority in good standing with ISAF may enter one crew in all or any of the
disciplines listed in 4.1.
5.2 Such national authority may register an official team leader and one coach. If a national
authority enters competitors in at least one event per race area, one additional coach is
permitted.
In all other cases only one team leader and one coach is permitted.
RACE AREA EVENTS
A Boy’s and Girl’s One Person Dinghy
B Boy’s and Girl’s Two Person Dinghy, Open Multihull
C Boy’s & Girl’s Windsurfer, Open Skiff
5.3 Every competitor must be a national of the country which is entering him or her. The ISAF
Executive Committee will resolve all applications or disputes relating to the determination of
the national authority a competitor may represent. Each national authority is responsible to
ensure that its competitors comply with this requirement.
6. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
6.1 EQUIPMENT RESERVATION
All national authorities who are intending to enter a team will complete an Equipment
Reservation on line at www.isafyouthworlds.com specifying the events and number of
coaches they want to enter and pay a non-refundable €100 Equipment Reservation Fee per
equipment by 31 January 2012.
Equipment reservations submitted after 31 January 2012 may not be guaranteed a place in
the regatta.
If at the equipment reservation deadline the numbers of competitors in an event should
exceed the maximum limit of equipment supplied, the Organizing Authority, in consultation
with ISAF, may then implement an alternative racing format allowing equipment to be shared
by two or more competitors/crews.
6.2 FINAL ENTRY
Entries will be made on-line at www.isafyouthworlds.com and must be received with the
championship fee described below (minus the Equipment Reservation Fee paid) by the
organising authority by 30 April 2012. Accommodation and equipment is guaranteed only to
teams who have fulfilled the requirements in 6.1 and have submitted an entry form and paid
the championship fee by 30 April 2012. Entries received after 30 April 2012 will only be
accepted at the discretion of ISAF and in consultation with the Organizing Authority and with
the payment of the Late Entry fee.
6.3 A national authority which has not yet chosen a team by 30 April 2012 deadline must provide
the Organizing Authority with information about its schedule for selecting a team and the
number of persons, genders if possible, and their events to be entered by this deadline. No
additions or changes to the list can be accepted after 30 April 2012 without written approval of
ISAF and in consultation with the Organizing Authority.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
6.4 Competitors and team officials will receive an identification card at registration at the venue
which must be displayed at all times. Access to competitor’s preparation and residential areas
will be restricted. Spectators at the sailing venue may also be required to display a
registration card which will give access to specific areas only.
6.5 Each team is required to bring to the venue two of their national flags in approximate size 1.0
x 1.5m
6.6 The Medical Treatment Permission Form available on www.isafyouthworlds.com must be
submitted for each competitor no later than team registration. This form does not give
dispensation for taking prescribed medication. For medication declarations, please follow
procedures as given in the ISAF Anti-Doping Code (ISAF regulation 21).
6.7 All competitors shall be under the age of 19 years on 31 December 2012 (born after 31
December 1993) and be registered as an ‘ISAF Sailor’ on the ISAF website, www.sailing.org
Each national authority is responsible to ensure that its competitors comply with this
requirement.
6.8 At all times when afloat competitors are required to wear a personal buoyancy jacket. The
organizing authority reserves the right to reject any buoyancy jacket which it considers
unsuitable. Personal buoyancy shall comply with appropriate national standards.
6.9 Each team is required to bring a 250ml bottle containing water from their home seas or lakes
for the Mixing of the Waters ceremony.
7. CHAMPIONSHIP FEE AND DAMAGE DEPOSITS
7.1 Each competitor, team leader and coach will be charged a championship fee of EUR 900 per
team member (EUR 1.200 for Late Entries) for the 10 scheduled days of the event (minus any
Equipment Reservation Fee paid), payable to the organizing authority as instructed on the
entry form.
The Late Entry fee will apply to all entries received after 30 April 2012.
7.2 The championship fee will include airport shuttle from and to Dublin Airport, accommodation
and meals, starting from the midday meal on 12 July and ending with the breakfast meal on
21 July 2012. For accommodation etc prior to 12 July or/and after 20 July, please contact
Moyra O’Donoghue at [email protected]
7.3 There will be no refund if entered competitors withdraw their entry after the entry
deadline.
7.4 A damage deposit of EUR 250 for Laser Radial and RS:X and EUR 350 for 420, 29er and
SL 16 (cash or credit card authorisation) per supplied equipment will be required for
registration at the venue. In case of damage to any equipment, the competitor may be
required to pay an additional amount in order to maintain the damage deposit balance at EUR
250 for Laser Radial and RS:X and at EUR 350 for 420, 29er and SL 16.
7.5 A damage deposit by way of credit card authorisation will be required by the hotel for possible
damage to the hotel premises or for services provided by the hotel such as (additional) food,
drink and the use of telephone(s), etc.
8. SCHEDULE
12 races are scheduled for each event. No more than 3 races will be sailed on any day.
Thursday 12 July Official Arrival Day Registration
Equipment Allocation & On Water Training
Team Leaders Meeting
Friday 13 July Training Day Equipment Allocation
Competitors Briefing
On Water Training
Practice Race
Opening Ceremony
Saturday 14 July Race Day 1 2 Races
Sunday 15 July Race Day 2 3 Races
Monday 16 July Race Day 3 2 Races
Tuesday 17 July Reserve Day
Wednesday 18 July Race Day 4 2 Races
Thursday 19 July Race Day 5 2 Races
Friday 20 July Race Day 6 1 Race
Equipment Return
Closing Ceremony
Saturday 21 July Departure Day Departure
Equipment Supply The supplied equipment will be available on 12 July 2012. The venue is
not available for practice sailing before 12 July 2012.
9. SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
The sailing instructions will be available for all competitors at registration at the venue and on
the event website approximately one month before the championship.
10. PENALTY SYSTEM
10.1 Appendix P, Immediate Penalties for Breaking Rule 42, will apply.
10.2 For the SL 16 and 29er events rules 44.1 and 44.2 are changed so that only one turn,
including one tack and one gybe, is required.
10.3 Decisions of the jury will be final as provided in rule 70.5.
11. SCORING
11.1 Five races are required to be completed to constitute a series.
11.2 (a) When fewer than five (5) races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total
of her race scores.
(b) When five (5) or more races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total of
her race scores excluding her worst score.
11.3 For RS:X Rule B8.2, B8.3 and B8.8 shall not apply.
12. SUPPORT BOAT
(a) Private or team support boats are not permitted.
(b) Team Leaders and coaches may go afloat only in craft supplied by the organizing
authority, and clearly marked as such, from Friday July 13 to Friday July 20.
13. BERTHING
Boats shall be kept in their assigned places in the boat parks.
14. DRUG TESTING
Competitors are reminded of the ISAF rules and regulations concerning the use of banned
methods and substances, which are contained in ISAF Anti Doping Code. Drug testing may
take place during this event.
15. DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
Competitors participate in the championship entirely at their own risk. See rule 4, Decision to
Race. The organizing authority will not accept any liability for material damage or personal
injury or death sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the championship.
16. PRIZES
Prizes will be given as follows:
16.1 ISAF medals in gold, silver and bronze will be awarded to first, second and third overall
finishers in each event.
16.2 The ISAF World Youth Sailing Championship Trophy will be awarded to the winning crew in
the Boy’s Two Person Dinghy event.
16.3 The RYA Trophy will be awarded to the winning crew in the Girl’s Two Person Dinghy event.
16.4 The ISAF St. Lawrence Trophy will be awarded to the winner in the Boy’s One Person Dinghy
event.
16.5 The ISAF Royal Netherlands Centennial Trophy will be awarded to the winner in the Girl’s
One Person Dinghy event.
16.6 The ISAF Paul Phelan Trophy will be awarded to the winner in the Boy’s Windsurfer event.
16.7 The ISAF St. Moritz Board Sailing Championship Trophy will be awarded to the winner in the
Girl’s Windsurfer event.
16.8 The ISAF Paul Henderson Trophy will be awarded to the winner in the Open Multihull event.
16.9 The ISAF Prince Henry the Navigator Trophy will be awarded to the winner in the Open Skiff
event.
16.10 There will be a Trophy awarded to the top-scoring national authority team.
16.11 The ISAF Bengt Julin Trophy will be awarded to a competitor or a National Team that has in
the competitors’ opinion done most to foster international understanding and has displayed
the attributes that should be encouraged in international competition.
16.12 Other trophies may be awarded for sportsmanship, exemplary behaviour and rules compliance
during the championship.
17. FURTHER INFORMATION
17.1 Entries will be acknowledged in writing.
17.2 General information about travel to Dun Laoghaire, Ireland and its facilities is available
through the website: www.dublinbay2012.com