#sailing – What started out as calls for change in Irish sailing on Afloat.ie a month ago has this week been echoed around the internet with more than a little worldwide momentum.
A boost in unique visitor traffic to Afloat.ie could not be more heartening with quality inbound links to an online debate on stemming the decline of dinghy sailing.
Over the course of a month from February 26th 12 separate stories on the topic generated over 11, 000 readers.
The message is very clear. Grassroots sailing needs to be revitalised and if this is energised correctly the general improvement in standards will produce world class sailors.
In early March, thanks to the efforts of a group of passionate dinghy sailors concerned over the lack of recognition for senior dinghy fleets by the Irish Sailing Association (ISA) has grown internationally to highlight some serious deficiencies in the management of the most exciting sport in the world, yacht racing.
A full 'shake–up' for Irish sailing is now on the agenda for 2013 after dinghy champions took aim at current policies they claimed are 'damaging the sport'.
The meaningful online discussion on Afloat.ie was heartfelt. The constructive comments from sailors at home and abroad will be important for the future direction of the sport.
Now it is hugely supportive to see former world sailing president Paul Henderson adding to the chorus that calls for a renewed emphasis on dinghy sailing and encouraging a broader base of participation in the sport.
Henderson correctly focuses on kids being ignored who may never be Olympic helmsmen but still want to get out on the water crewing.
It is also interesting that some notable leading yachting publications have so far studiously ignored the debate despite being well aware of it, this is probably more a sign of vested interests!
But all that is changing now the likes of Henderson has shared his thoughts on the elements that grew the sport of sailing over the past four decades, and what he believes is holding sailing back today it is clear change at home and abroad is well overdue.
Aside from the expense of new boats and the emphasis on single-handers and college sailing that prioritises the most elite athletes, the Canadian sailing hand also believes yacht clubs in North America "have forgotten what they are about... [thinking that] regattas should be a profit centre, rather than the hosting the sailors cheaply as the raison d'etre of a yacht club."
These comments come after former ISA president Roger Bannon's candid assessment of the state of sailing in Ireland today.
According to Bannon, the "importance of supporting elite and Olympic sailing" must become "a subsidiary focus to the main objective of getting people sailing competently and safely in whatever boat they wish".
The ISA today is finalising the recommendations of its board meeting held last night. Its Chief Executive has promised to effect change and wants a closer working relationship between the clubs and classes.
