Hundreds of recreational boat owners in Northern Ireland could be affected by an HM Treasury decision outlining that from June they will be required to use white diesel instead of red.

As part of the Spring Budget announcement, the UK Government stated that it is not changing the treatment of private pleasure craft in Great Britain. They will continue to be able to use red diesel and pay their fuel supplier the difference between the red diesel rate and the white diesel rate on the proportion they intend to use for propulsion.

However, in Northern Ireland, recreational boaters will no longer be able to use red diesel for propelling their craft and will need to use white diesel from June onwards.

The government response to the consultation outlines: "In Northern Ireland, private pleasure craft users will no longer be able to use red diesel for propelling their craft. This will achieve consistency with the 2018 judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and ensure the UK meets its international obligations under the Northern Ireland Protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement.

"It will also align with fuel used by private pleasure craft in the Republic of Ireland, which should make it simpler for private pleasure craft users to access the fuel they need if they sail between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (and vice versa)."

The RYA Northern Ireland, which is the governing body for sailing, windsurfing and powerboating in Northern Ireland, is seeking clarity on the changes for Northern Ireland.

Richard Honeyford, Chief Operating Office for RYA Northern Ireland, explains: "While the rationale to keep private pleasure craft in line with commercial entitlements has been taken in Great Britain, the same rationale does not appear to have been applied in Northern Ireland.

Richard Honeyford, CEO of RYANI -"Many boat owners cruise to Great Britain, where only red diesel will be available. We will also need clarity around how this may be considered on returning to Northern Ireland"

"This will provide a number of immediate challenges across both inland and coastal waterways, where there is little or no waterside infrastructure currently in place in order to supply white diesel to recreational craft. At the moment, there are pumps for red diesel and to change this will take time and expense in order to develop adequate and accessible supply across all bodies of water and within the given timeframes."

He adds: "RYA Northern Ireland is also asking for clarification on how the new rules may be regulated. We welcome some indications on how HMRC would view the 'run off' of red diesel in tanks. With current lockdown restrictions, many boat owners have filled their tanks with red diesel, for example, to avoid condensation, and this needs to be considered to avoid boat owners becoming inadvertently caught out by these changes.

"Many boat owners cruise to Great Britain, where only red diesel will be available. We will also need clarity around how this may be considered on returning to Northern Ireland."

Honeyford says: "We welcome that there will be a new relief scheme in place to help avoid disproportionately penalising NI boaters, however, we await details of this scheme.

"Our current advice to boat owners is to retain all receipts, including VAT, in relation to the purchase of red diesel up to any changeover date, and then any subsequent receipts proving the purchase of white diesel."

RYA and RYA Northern Ireland have requested a meeting with HMRC to outline these concerns and seek further clarification.

Christmas has come early for 12-year-old Rory Pollard, who has been awarded a brand new boat by the John Merricks Sailing Trust.

Rory, from Whitehead and a junior member of County Antrim Yacht Club, is the only sailor from Northern Ireland to receive his very own boat. He will have exclusive use of the boat for the next two years through the on-going partnership between the John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST) and RYA OnBoard.

A Carrickfergus Grammar School pupil, Rory, like many young children, has had a difficult year after being isolated from his friends. However, he is now finishing 2020 on a high as he plans to turn his dreams of sailing in national competitions into a reality.

The delighted young sailor said: "I felt over the moon when I found out I had been awarded the boat, I asked my Mum and Dad to pinch me to see if I was dreaming. I must have jumped five feet in the air!

"I feel really proud that the selection team must have had belief in my ability and have recognised the dedication I have shown to the sport that I love. I can't wait to sail it and to compete and train, and to give it 100 per cent every time I am on the water."

Rory's love for sailing has been inspired by his dad Gavin, an accomplished sailor. "Sailing has always been in my blood," Rory says.

"I first got on a boat when I was two and I can't remember a time when I didn't sail or was not by the water. As soon as I started to sail when I was six, I knew it was what I wanted to do. Ever since then, when I am not doing my school work, I am researching sailing and reading about different sailors and world races."

During lockdown, Rory had been feeling isolated but it was sailing that got him through. His mum, Claire Pollard, comments: "It was Rory's last year of primary school and the loss of completing those important months before transferring to post primary was worrying.

"However, it was his love of sailing and the need to get out on the water that he missed the most. As soon as he was able to, he was out sailing, for up to five days a week. As a parent, the improvement I instantly saw in his emotional health was amazing."

Up until now Rory has been sailing and competing in a borrowed club boat.

Claire says: "Without the support of County Antrim Yacht Club, Rory would not be able to attend and complete in the races he has done to date. The encouragement, support and training he has received has driven him on to always want to progress and achieve his best.

Rory has recently been selected for the RYA Northern Ireland Topper Performance Programme. He hopes to put the new boat to good use as part of his training. He explains: "I have recently been selected to the RYANI Topper Performance Programme and I hope to use this to tune my skills into championship level.

"As we have not been out on the water yet, I have started my own winter training programme to make sure my fitness levels are at their best when we get back on the water. I know the pressure will be on as I will be sailing a brand new boat, but I can't wait to show the coaches my ability!"

He adds: "I'd like to thank the John Merricks Sailing Trust and the RYA for giving me this opportunity along with all the people who have encouraged and supported me along the way.

"I am hoping over the next while to be able to showcase my skills and attract sponsorship so that I can compete in the bigger events while I have the boat. I also hope to encourage younger sailors at my club and show them that if they are dedicated and train hard, they could also be in the same position as me and have the honour of sailing a JMST boat."

RYA Northern Ireland's Performance Manager, Andrew Baker, said: "It is fantastic that Rory has been awarded this boat, it will be a great benefit to his training for the Topper Squad and we look forward to watching his progress.

"Getting enthusiastic young sailors access to boats and helping give them time on the water is what this award is all about and Rory is a shining example of a passionate and dedicated young sailor who fully deserves this award."

Sheela Lewis, Race Coach and Training Officer on behalf of the Sailing Committee at County Antrim Yacht Club, said: "County Antrim Yacht Club is delighted with this outcome. Several of our membership have been previous recipients of JMST dinghies. Following the ethos of the RYA and JMST, we have progressed our Pathway race coaching by reassigning JMST dinghies to worthy Club members.

"Rory had the benefit of this which has supported his development to date. As a small club we would not have been in a position to purchase new Toppers to facilitate those members who show the potential and talent that Rory has displayed to date. We share Rory's excitement with regard to this award and we will be supporting Rory to achieve all of his goals and more!"

Make sure you're ready for the 2021-2024 changes to the Racing Rules of Sailing with the RYA rules books. The new editions are now available from the RYA shop - www.rya.org.uk/shop.

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As the Member National Authority for the UK, the RYA Racing Rules of Sailing 2021-2024 (order code YR1, RRP £10.99) not only features the World Sailing rules in full, but is also the only publication to contain the RYA Racing Charter, Racing Rules Guidance and the RYA National Prescriptions - essential for racing in the UK and Northern Ireland.

The compact, ring-bound and waterproof book is perfect for taking afloat. It covers not only the fundamentals of the race itself, including racing conduct and what is fair and unfair, but also details things like protests, hearings and appeals. You'll find everything competitors, judges and umpires need to know. Available here 

Four inspiring Northern Ireland volunteers have been recognised nationally with awards from the Royal Yachting Association.

Traditionally taking place at an awards ceremony in London, the RYA Volunteer Awards celebrate and say 'thank you' to volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport.

The volunteers are nominated by their sailing club, class associations and members of the boating community.

The RYA Community Awards are given across three categories: Lifetime Commitment, Outstanding Contribution and Youth and are presented to outstanding individuals for their commitment and services to boating at club or grassroots level.

RYA Northern Ireland's Chief Operating Officer, Richard Honeyford, said: "On behalf of RYA Northern Ireland I would like to thank all of our dedicated volunteers, who make our sport the success that it is.

"I am delighted for our four local sailors who have been recognised nationally by the Royal Yachting Association for all their hard work. Devoted to their clubs, these volunteers ensure the smooth running of many aspects of club life and also do so much to benefit the wider local community."

Jackie Patton, Chair of RYA Northern Ireland, commented: "Our volunteers are the bedrock of our sport, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of our clubs and the constant development of our sport. I am delighted that our volunteers have been recognised nationally for their efforts and congratulate them on their fantastic achievements."

Kate Pounder – Ballyholme Yacht Club

Kate Pounder received a Youth Award for going above and beyond in her role as an Instructor at Ballyholme Yacht Club. She has worked her way through the RYA syllabus, gaining her Senior Instructor qualification in 2017, leading to her appointment as Chief Sailing Instructor for her club's 2019 centenary season.

Kate Pounder – Ballyholme Yacht Club

Whether she's assisting with driving RIBS, providing rescue cover, transferring boats across the yard or laying racing marks, Kate consistently gives her time and infectious enthusiasm for the good of the club and its members.

Commenting on her award, Kate said: "When I realised I had won an award I felt completely overjoyed and surprised. For as long as I can remember, I've always enjoyed helping out at my home club and the more I got involved the better I felt about myself and the way others engaged with me. Sailing at Ballyholme is a real community and thrives on people getting actively involved and I wanted to be part of that".

Colin de Fleury – County Antrim Yacht Club

County Antrim Yacht Club's Colin de Fleury received an Outstanding Contribution award for his hard work over the years. A member of the club since 2007, Colin has always been a willing and very experienced volunteer. A Powerboat, Keelboat and Senior Dinghy Instructor and Race Coach, he is always on hand to take on the role of Race Officer, safety boat helm or crew, as well as maintaining dinghies and mentoring Assistant Instructors.

Colin de Fleury – County Antrim Yacht Club

Delivering courses and helping with 'Try Sailing' and other initiatives, Colin is always organised and thorough, a natural leader and inspiring for everyone around him.

Lindsay Nolan – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club

Lindsay Nolan (pictured top) from Royal North of Ireland has been given an Outstanding Contribution award. Under her leadership, the club has benefitted from a vibrant social programme for all members, raising thousands of pounds for charities. Lindsay looks after the club's Facebook page, is editor of the annual Club Review magazine, contributes to the weekly newsletter and is often chief photographer at events.

As RYA Green Blue Co-Ordinator she has introduced a range of initiatives from installing a water fountain to organising a beach clean.

Paul Prentice – Ballyholme Yacht Club

Paul Prentice has been recognised with a Lifetime Commitment award. He has been a dedicated volunteer at Ballyholme Yacht Club for nearly two decades, as an instructor and a coach.

Paul Prentice – Ballyholme Yacht Club

In his current role as Training Centre Principal, he is devoted to promoting and overseeing adult and youth dinghy and powerboat training. Working with the Sir Thomas Lipton Foundation and its Buoyed-Up programme, the Andrew Simpson Foundation and the Department for Education for Northern Ireland, Paul has been key to the club delivering sailing opportunities for disadvantaged young people from schools in the local community.

Paul has been key in developing new links between the club and external organisations, as well as securing funding from innovative sources to deliver initiatives for the club and also the local community.

Less than 24 hours after posting that the Icebreaker event run by Ballyholme Yacht Club on Belfast Lough, could take place on the scheduled date (tomorrow Sunday 18th), the club has had to cancel racing. Rear Commodore Rob Milligan informed members of the club's decision. "Unfortunately, as a result of the regulations published late last night, we have no alternative but to cancel racing tomorrow, Sunday 18th. RYA NI are meeting with the Minister for Communities and SportNI next week to discuss this turnaround in restrictions and we will keep members updated. In the meantime, the boat parks and slipways remain open and we would ask that when using the club, you continue to adhere to the guidelines".

The NI Assembly has published the Regulations that apply with IMMEDIATE effect over the 'Active Period' from 16th October. Key areas of note relating to boating activity are set out on Facebook by RYANI. They say that the implications for boating are that activity where gathering numbers can exceed 15 people – this applies both to training and racing/ competition, can no longer be allowed. A risk assessment in place no longer allows this number to be exceeded.

The Icebreaker usually attracts at least 50 participants.

The post continues " Our current understanding through communications received from the Minister of Communities means that our Participant Guidance for Sailing and Racing in Mixed Households is not currently applicable. Any such activity must ensure participants keep a distance of 2 metres as well as ensuring public health sanitising guidelines are adhered to." It continues " We are due to meet the Minister for Communities on Monday, with a subsequent meeting with Sport Northern Ireland next Thursday. We hope these will provide more clarity of restrictions over the 'active period' and we will share these as soon as possible with the boating community going forward. This has been shared with relevant clubs and centres".

More than 30 youth laser sailors from 10 clubs across Northern Ireland travelled to Cushendall Sailing and Boating Club for the RYA Northern Ireland Performance selection weekend.

The event, which took place on 10 and 11 October, saw the young sailors taking part in two days of coaching and selections.

Strict Covid-19 arrangements were in place and sessions took place outdoors in three groups with Laser Head Coach Barry McCartin, Performance Development Officer James Farrell and Performance Manager Andrew Baker.

Commenting on the action-packed weekend, Andrew Baker said: "Saturday was all about boat handling and shaking off any rustiness form a season with less sailing than normal. Gusts of 20 knots were a rude awakening for some. By the end of the day the groups were showing real promise and becoming more competitive within themselves.

"Sunday put into practice the previous day of training with a drill focusing on boat speed and changing gears in a laser. These sessions were aided by the ever-changing weather which had the sailors working the boats through light drifting conditions right up to flat out hiking."

He added: "The weekend concluded with three large races bringing all the groups together giving additional pressure of performing among a larger number of boats, which is what the sailors can expect at future events."

Reflecting on the success of the event, Baker said: "It was a great weekend and I am very pleased given the current Covid-19 climate that we were able to run the Performance selection weekend.

"I am impressed by the enthusiasm shown by all the participants. This was my first selection weekend as Performance Manager and I am pleased to see the talent Northern Ireland has to offer and excited to grow and support our future sailors.

"I would like to thank everyone for understanding the circumstances and helping us run the weekend safely and in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines.''

The successful young athletes who have been selected by RYA Northern Ireland will now be invited to be part of the RYA Northern Ireland Youth Performance Programme and undergo six weekends on-water coaching, as well as other campaign support throughout the Winter period.

Much to the satisfaction of RYA Northern Ireland and Ballyholme Yacht Club, splitting the 89 strong Youth Sailing Championship fleet over two days to mitigate risk in accordance with COVID – 19 guidelines, allowed the event to run smoothly with the only hiccup being the fickle conditions on the Sunday but Race Officer Robin Gray and his team managed to do enough to get a result.

As Afloat reported earlier, competitors travelled from all over the North and from as far away as Lough Ree and Malahide, with 420s and the ILCA 6 (the renamed Laser Radials) racing on Saturday and ILCA 4 (Laser 4.7s) Toppers and Topper 4.2s on the Sunday.

Saturday brought perfect conditions with 10 -12 knots of wind and the full five-race schedule was completed.

COVID restrictions for Dublin, unfortunately, meant some sailors were unable to race in the 420 class but there were three pairings on the water to fight it out for what was also the class Northern Championships. Ben Graf and Alexander Farrell from Lough Ree demonstrated great talent and slick crew work to win three of the five races and be crowned this year’s 420 Northern Champions.

ILCA racing at the RYA NI champs Photo: Simon McIlwaine

In the 22 strong ILCA 6 fleet, winner was Tom Coulter from Coleraine YC and East Antrim BC, counting two firsts and two thirds, finishing on 8 points, three ahead of

Erin McIlwaine of Newcastle YC and Royal St.George whose 15th in the third race put paid to her chances despite scoring two firsts and a second. But she won the tie split with Joseph Karauzum of County Antrim YC whose win in Race 5 secured him the third place tied with McIlwaine and the title of First Youth in the event.
Sunday brought a whole new set of conditions to Ballyholme and Race Office Robin Gray had to deal with a constantly shifting light wind. Despite the Committee Boat on the water for seven hours and the fleet for nearly six, only two races could be run before the 1600hrs deadline. It was local girl Hannah Dadley-Young top of the 15 strong ILCA 4 fleet with two firsts. Hannah was first girl and fifth overall at the Topper British Nationals last August. Eva Briggs from East Down and Royal North was runner up.

Ballyholme’s Hugo Boyd was top of the 17 starters in the Topper 4.2 Class with Freddie Doig of the Larne club, East Antrim, runner up.

The Topper fleet at the RYANI Youth Championships Photo: Simon McIlwaine

The Toppers turned out the biggest fleet with 32 starters. Another East Antrim competitor, Zoe Whitford, and Daniel Palmer from Ballyholme were tied first on points but with a last race win, it was Whitford who emerged first in the Topper Class and also took home the prize of first Junior and First Junior Girl.

As well as championship prizes there are Schools and Clubs prizes. Ballyholme’s Junior sailors were crowned winners of the Club Trophy while Larne Grammar secured the title of Schools Cup Champions for 2020.

Full results: 19th September and 20th September

More than 90 of Northern Ireland’s Youth and Junior sailors have taken part in the RYA Northern Ireland Youth Championships, which were hosted by Ballyholme Yacht Club.

Racing took part of over two days on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September and the fleets were split to reduce overall numbers on site each day to mitigate risk in accordance with COVID – 19 guidelines.

The ILCA 6 and 420s took to the water on Saturday for five races in perfect conditions of 15 knots and sunshine.

Ellen Barbour from County Antrim Yacht Club showed good form early on to lead the way in race one, only to fall foul of being over at the start. This gave Coleraine Yacht Club’s Tom Coulter the win followed by Colin Crichton of Quoile Yacht Club in 2nd.

Race two saw Erin Mcllwaine from Newcastle Yacht Club was fast out of the blocks and took the win for race two with Crichton again runner up and Coulter in 3rd.
By race three Coulter started to show some dominance with his second win of the event followed by Ballyholme’s Oliver Haig.

The girls led the way in the fourth race with Mcllwaine doing her best to close the gap to Coulter with another win and Barbour a close 2nd to prove her performance in race one was not a one-off.

 The Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland Youth Championships on 19/20 September will feel the ongoing effect of the Covid-19 pandemic in that a restricted Youth Sailing Championships will be run on the 19th and 20th September at Ballyholme Yacht Club on Belfast Lough.

This year each class will race on one day only, to enable the event to be run in a Covid-secure manner, so as it will look different to the usual. RYANI says it is important to read the Notice of Race carefully as this will give more details about how the Championships will be run.

On the Saturday, the racing will be for ILCA 6 , 420 and 29ers and on the Sunday it will be the turn of the Toppers (all rigs) and ILCA 4. There will not be a regatta fleet.

To be considered for the RYANI Junior or Youth Performance Programmes, sailors must complete the online application form before 30th September 2020 which can be found on the RYANI website under the Performance tab.

The 20/21 Youth Performance Programme training and selection will take place on the weekends of 3rd and 4th October (Toppers) and on 10th and 11th October for Lasers. The venue will be Cushendall Sailing and Boating Club on the Antrim Coast. You can book for both the Topper and Laser weekends through RYA NI Facebook page.

Accomplished sailor Andrew Baker has been appointed as the new RYA Northern Ireland Performance Manager, taking up the post this week.

Recruitment for the role started in February but was delayed until lockdown measures eased and continued funding form Sport Northern Ireland was confirmed.

Baker takes over from Ballyholme-based 49er sailor Matt McGovern who previously held the role.

Popularly known as 'Hammy' Andrew started competitive sailing at the age of nine, racing Toppers in his native Northern Ireland. By the age of 13, he was selected to be part of the RYA Northern Ireland Youth Squad in Toppers, and two years later in the Laser Youth Squad. After winning the Northern Ireland Youth National Championship, he represented Ireland in the Laser Europeans and World Championship. In 2014, Andrew was selected as part of the British Keelboat Academy and won the IRC National Championship.

His big break came when he got accepted into the Artemis Offshore Academy to be part of the 2015 squad. After training in Lorient, he took part in his first Solitaire – Bompard Le Figaro, finishing the race in 32nd place. Since then he has worked as a professional sailor but has also returned to work and assist as a Senior Instructor at his home club of Quoile YC in Strangford Lough.

Welcoming Andrew to the RYA Northern Ireland team, Chief Operating Officer Richard Honeyford said: "At RYA Northern Ireland, we are delighted to welcome Andrew on board as the new Performance Manager at a critical time for performance sport and our local athletes. With the Olympics delayed until 2021, Andrew will be looking to ensure our High-Performance athletes get the best possible support as well as looking to ensure the pathway and club development plans are prioritised."

Commenting on his new post, Andrew said: "Since our first family holidays on my parents' boat right up to sailing competitively at a professional level, I have always felt very fortunate to be involved in this sport and I realise it would not be possible if not for the work of our clubs, volunteers and the work carried out by the RYANI. Having gone from club racing and through the squad systems myself I know how important this stage of coaching and nurturing is to a future athlete. I hope to carry on the great work carried out by my predecessors and give something back to the sport I love through growing the depth of sailing here in Northern Ireland. To me sailing is a sport for life and I hope it can be for others too."