We have decided to make a few tweaks to the inaugural Irish Sailing League format for 2023. We appear to have been slightly over-ambitious for the 2023 kick-off
So what are the major changes to the NOR?
- We have dropped the first ‘qualifying’ weekend…. The event now sees a qualifying weekend over the 1st and 2nd of July, with entries split over the two days; the top 50% from each day will represent in the final or the repechage two weeks later on the 15th & 16th of July
- As a result, entry fees are slashed to €1150 per team, including boat charter fees, event management and coordination, insurance and of course, safety! Superb value!
- Teams do not have to be nominated by their club; however, teams will sail for the glory of their club! We welcome direct entry from teams.
- The final entry deadline is now the 30th of May 2023; after this, the event will be declared or not!
The event format is still the same; the Irish Sailing League will see competitors represent their clubs in short, grandstand-style sprint races sailed in RS21s with crews of four, as above, boats are supplied, removing any logistical problems…. Teams will battle it out to become the Irish Sailing League champions and give their club the right to proclaim itself the best sailing club in the country. What’s more, the champion club/team would have the opportunity to represent Ireland at the annual Sailing Champions League, where sailing clubs from across Europe and beyond put their skills to the test to determine the best sailing club in the world!
Fully affiliated with the International Sailing League Association, the Irish Sailing League is now encouraging sailors and clubs to register interest for a 2023 season start.
With thanks to RS Sailing, the event is to be held in one design RS21 Keelboats. These boats will ensure a level playing field for all teams as only a handful of people have sailed these boats. Furthermore each boat is factory fresh and produced within a number of weeks of each other maintaining the one design status of the fleet. Clubs, teams and classes need not worry about boats and logistics as the boats are provided and will be pre-rigged before teams come to the venue.
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have put their backing into the event by encouraging us to host it as part of the Dun Laoghaire 'Coastival' event…
The event will be sailed in Scotsman’s Bay with our mobile race office situated in the new Dun Laoghaire baths. Large RIBs will be on standby to transfer crews to and from the race course…
The notice of race is available online with the link to online entries, hosted by RS events and clubs on the Irish Sailing League website here: www.irishsailingleague.com
We are very keen to hear feedback and act upon it and also dispel a few myths…. Here are a few answers to the queries we have received…
What happens if we enter but the event is cancelled?
Entry fees are non-refundable for teams that do not attend the event for whatever reason. In the unlikely event that we have to cancel any of the league events, we will refund any entry fees.
I want to enter a team but my club hasn’t put in an entry; how can I enter?
Put an entry in for your team or club and email us or contact us on social media; we have extra capacity, so please enter or send us an email if you are unsure.
I have a team but not all team members can sail on all of the dates.
No problem! Teams can replace members weekend to weekend as long as the organising authority is notified of the changes. We know a lot of dedication is required, so we are more than happy to accommodate these changes!
My club cannot organise a team, can we collaborate with another club?
Absolutely, for smaller clubs who may not be able to organise, we are more than happy for clubs and teams to collaborate.
We’re worried we may not be good enough?
Not a problem; it’s all about having fun, learning and giving it a go. Not everyone will have sailed a RS 21 before, and we are locking the rig settings to keep things simple. Take the plunge; we guarantee it will be worth it!
I’m too young/old!
No one is too young or old for the league; teams can be of any age; sailing is a sport for life!
I don’t have the time.
We have set up the league and reduced the sailing dates to mean there are only 3 days of sailing per team, thus reducing the time commitment for teams…. If you are unsure, please get in touch with us!
The format for this event is there! It is a tried and tested worldwide success, let’s get an Irish Team to the Sailing Champions League! If you are unsure about any of the format, please do not hesitate to contact the team so we can help!
Don’t forget the winner of the league this year will be crowned the Irish Sailing League Champions and will have the opportunity to represent Ireland at the Sailing Champions League in 2024.
See you on the water!
Regards,
Kenneth Rumball, Irish Sailing League
