The 2025 edition of the Irish Sailing League, due to sail off Dun Laoghaire on May 10th, has been postponed.
Organisers say the decision is 'hugely disappointing', as they had put all the ingredients in place to improve the event from the inaugural 2024 edition.
- The league has been postponed due to low entries
- Organisers seek feedback to identify barriers to event participation
- Kenny Rumball highlights challenges of last-minute entries in sailing
Lack of entries or dedicated entries is the main pitfall for the event. Organisers received multiple promises of entries. However, very few actual entries were received.
The organisers welcome and seek feedback from previous competitors as to any barriers to entry to the event.
Kenny Rumball, who is the main driver behind the event, told Afloat, ‘We would like to get feedback from potential competitors as to any barriers to entry for the 2025 edition of the League. Unfortunately, from what I see in other classes, an unhealthy tradition appears to be developing among sailors in Ireland, where they often enter an event at the last minute. This makes planning, budgeting, etc, impossible to run an event. Organisers put a lot of effort into running events for sailors pleasure, this should be respected. I have personally seen this with the league and also see the same with other classes, it is not good for the long-term prospects of sailboat racing in Ireland.
Organisers will review any feedback and welcome suggestions for possible dates later in the season.
The Irish Sailing League claimed to offer the tightest one-design racing in a high-intensity format without the hassle of owning a boat. Boats are supplied and their ‘charter’ is absorbed in the entry fee, which, say organisers, is "incredibly low thanks to the generosity of sponsors such as the Irish National Sailing and Powerboat School, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and others".
