A 'tough opener' is how Commodore Peter Ryan has described the first ISORA offshore sailing race of the season from Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire yesterday. Inspite of the difficult conditions though there was little change at the top of the leader board. Skerries domination of Irish Sea racing continues with the Sigma 400 Raging Bull maintaining his winning form.  It was a very hard race with usual flukey conditions trying to leave Dublin Bay at 8am on Saturday morning (Afloat.ie followed the fleet out of the bay on twitter). Strong winds followed for the beat to the M2 buoy before another long leg and a short beat to Holyhead. The sea conditions on the 60-mile course were trying for many crew who were out for the first time this season.

ISORA has formed three classes this season, the aim is to give better competitive sailing between similar boats. First race results below.

Boat Name	Sail No.	Type	IRC Rating	Finish Time	Time elapsed	Corrected	Place	Place
			(provisional)			Time	Class	O/A
English Mick	GBR4771R	Beneteau 47.7	1.130	19:18:26	40706	45997	2	8
GFT Adventurer	GBR23161	Beneteau 45	1.101	19:54:46	42886	47217	3	9
Quite Correct	IRL 5405	DS54	1.095	RET	-	-	-	-
African Challenge	IRL 2649	Fast 42	1.077	RET	-	-	-	-
Tsunami	IRL 4007	First 40.7	1.061	18:48:01	38881	41252	1	4
Lancastrian	GBR 7682T	Starlight 14.5m	1.059	20:27:00	44820	47464	4	10
Rebellion	IRL 6001	Nicholson 58	1.054	RET	-	-	-	-
Orna	IRL 532		1.047	DNS	-	-	-	-
Madam Wen	GBR1417L	Sweden 42	1.04	RET	-	-	-	-
Aztec 3	IRL29832	A35	1.034	18:59:30	39570	40915	3	3
Raging Bull	IRL 9666	Sigma 400	1.027	18:42:30	38550	39590	1	1
Jedi	IRL 8088	J109	1.029	RET	-	-	-	-
Sgrech	GBR9319R	J109	1.026	19:01:52	39712	40744	2	2
Miss Scarlett	IRL 4763	Sunfast 40.3	1.025	RET	-	-	-	-
Lula Belle	IRL 3607	First 36.7	1.019	19:35:55	41755	42548	5	6
First of September	IRL 8581	First 43.5	1.017	DNS	-	-	-	-
Dinah	IRL 3508	JOD 35	1.016	19:36:22	41782	42450	4	5
Adelie	FRA 9631	First 34.7	0.988	21:26:00	48360	47779	2	11
Mojito	GBR 4184	Bravaria 39	0.988	20:36:22	45382	44837	1	7
Mistral of St Helier	K 8337	Sigma 38	0.984	RET	-	-	-	-
Yahtzee	IRL 1068	Oceanis 411	0.983	02:23:00	66180	65054	3	12
Obsession	IRL 4513	Sigma 33	0.905	RET	-	-	-	-
Sarnia	IRL 2260		0.891	RET	-	-	-	-

Offshore racing continues its comeback and the first sign of renewal comes tomorrow morning on Dublin Bay when 21 boats muster for the first race of the Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association (ISORA) from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead. It's all a far cry from just three years ago years when the domestic offshore fleet here dwindled to such an extent that in 2007, ISORA was ready to fold.

The 21-boat entry list for tomorrow morning's first ISORA race to Holyhead has been issued and commodore Peter Ryan warns there may well be a change of course for the 57-miler.

Boat Name	Sail No.	Type	IRC Rating	IRC
			(provisional)	No Spinnaker
English Mick	GBR4771R	Beneteau 47.7	1.130	IRC
Quite Correct	IRL 5405	DS54	1.095	IRC
African Challenge	IRL 2649	Fast 42	1.077	IRC
Tsunami	IRL 4007	First 40.7	1.061	IRC
Lancastrian	GBR 7682T	Starlight 14.5m	1.059	IRC
Rebellion	IRL 6001	Nicholson 58	1.054	NS
Madam Wen	GBR1417L	Sweden 42	1.041	IRC
Aztec 3	IRL29832	A35	1.034	IRC
Raging Bull	IRL 9666	Sigma 400	1.030	IRC
Jedi	IRL 8088	J109	1.029	IRC
Sgrech	GBR9319R	J109	1.026	IRC
Miss Scarlett	IRL 4763	Sunfast 40.3	1.025	IRC
Lula Belle	IRL 3607	First 36.7	1.019	IRC
First of September	IRL 8581	First 43.5	1.017	IRC
Dinah	IRL 3508	JOD 35	1.016	IRC
Adelie	FRA 9631	First 34.7	0.994	IRC
Mojito	GBR 4184	Bravaria 39	0.988	IRC
Mistral of St Helier	K 8337	Sigma 38	0.984	IRC
Yahtzee	IRL 1068	Oceanis 411	0.983	IRC
Obsession	IRL 4513	Sigma 33	0.905	NS
Sarnia	IRL 2260		0.891	IRC

Typically the start of the Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) is a traditional season highlight on the capital's waters but there's so much sailing slated for Dublin Bay the weekend it's hard to know where to start.

There could be anything up to 500-boats afloat for events right across the bay and out in to the Irish Sea.

Joining the 390 boat DBSC fleet for its 128th season is a gathering of over 300 dinghies in Dun Laoghaire for the Mitsubishi Youth National Championships at the Royal St. George and National Yacht Clubs. It's an important event because it is a dry run for next year's ISAF Youth Worlds on Dublin Bay.

The National Yacht Club is also host for the first race of the 2011 ISORA offshore season. Up to 17 starters from a possible ISORA entry list of 40 are confirmed for the first race to Holyhead. First gun for ISORA is at 0755. An Early one!

Across the bay in Howth there is a competitive fleet assembled for the SB3 Eastern Championships. A notable feature of the event is the inclusion of Olympic campaigner Annalise Murphy.

Ashore, Réalt na Mara Dun Laoghaire RNLI's new D-class lifeboat is to be officially named during a ceremony on the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire this Saturday at 12 noon. The lifeboat is to be named by Mr and Mrs Pat and Kathy Kenny. RTE presenter Pat Kenny and his wife Kathy have been long-standing supporters of the Dun Laoghaire RNLI lifeboats.

Mid week forecasts show good sailing winds for the weekend. Met Eireann is forecasting Southeast to east force 2 to 4 breezes, light enough for a gentle start to the season but there's still a chance of stronger for Saturday afternoon. Listen to Eddie English's weather prediction from Cork Harbour.

 

Up to 40 yachts form the backbone of the Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association fleet (ISORA).  Although the 2011 entry list (below) shows a large number of Beneteau models it also reveals a wide range of other marques, largely between 30 and 50 foot. Prominent types are J109s, Sigma 33s and a number of Jeanneau yachts too.

ISORA 2011 Racing Fleet

Boat Name	Sail no	Hull / Mast Col	Model
Lancastrian	GBR7682T	White	Starlight
Yahtzee	IRL 1068	White/Gold	Oceanis 41
Rebellion	IRL 6001	Blue/Silver	Nicholson 58
Miss Scarlett	IRL 4763	White/Gray	Sunfast 40.3
Orna	IRL532	Blue	40C
Mistral of St Helier	K8337	White	3800D
Poppy	GBR4183	Red/White	Contention 33
Dinah	IRL 3508	White/Aluminium	Jeanneau
Raging Bull	IRL 9666	White/Silver	Sigma 400
Tsunami	IRL 4007	Grey/Silver	First 40.7
GFT Adventurer	GBR 23161	White/Silver	First 45
Jedi	IRL 8088		J109
English Mick	GRB 4771R	Blue/Silver	First 47.7
Galileo	IRL1944	Blue	First 47.7
Lula Belle	IRL3607	White	Beneteau 36.7
Finnigans Wake	IRL2008	White	37B
Obsession	IRL 4513	White/Aluminium	Sigma 3300
Katanca	IRL 31310	White/Aluminium	Elan 31
Just Enough	GBR6912T		J92
Big Hillie Style	IRL 3208	White	Sun Fast 3200
Adelie	FRA 9631	White/Black	First 34.7
Mojito	IS 36L	White/Aluminium	Bavaria
Calypso	IRL 5643	White/Silver	Oceanis E51
Legally Blonde	IRL 3175	Grey/Aluminium	Beneteau
GWAWR	GRB 8330	White/Aluminium	Sigma
First of September	IRL 8581	White/Silver	First 435
Rollercoaster	IRL 9109	White/Aluminium	J109
Quite Correct	IRL 5405	White/White	Jeanneau D5 54
Sarnia	IRL 2260	White/Gold	36
Sailing West Intuition	GBR 9383R	Blue/Aluminium	Reflex 38
Sailing West One Life	GBR 3708R	White/Silver	Sunfast 37
Temper Tantrum	6909T	White	40
Wennol 3	GBR1347R	White/Black	First 34.7
African Challenge	IRL 2649	White/Silver	Fast
Windshift	IRL37737	White/Aluminium	Sunfast 37
Oystercatcher	IRL 1177	White/ Silver	Gib'sea 37
Aztec 3	IRL29832	White/Silver	A35

There are 17 definite entries and it is estimated up to another half a dozen could be sailing to the line next Saturday morning for the first race of the 2011 ISORA series. 

The impressive early entry follows a series of offshore sailing talks held at the National Yacht Club earlier this month.

Click this link for the latest ISORA news.

The 57-mile course across the Irish Sea from Dun Laoghaire on the Irish east coast to Holyhead in Wales will be decided on the morning of the race at the National Yacht Club and transmitted by VHF on 37 for the first offshore race of 2011.

Last year's overall champion, Raging Bull, a Sigma 400, from Skerries and skippered by Matt Davies is slated as a possible contender.

ISORA Chief Peter Ryan has issued sailing Instructions as follows:

2011 Sailing Instructions

Supplementary Information
Race 1 Dun Laoghaire - Holyhead
Sailed under the burgee the National Yacht Club
Saturday 30th April 2010

TIME OF START FOR ALL CLASSES
07.55 Warning signal - Class flags (Numerals 1 & 2) hoisted
07.56 Preparatory Signal - Blue Peter hoisted
07.59 Blue Peter down
08.00 Start – Class flags down
The start may be broadcast on VHF Channel 37 (M1)

STARTING LINE
The start line shall be located in Scotsman's Bay between the DBSC 'Pier' mark and an adjacent committee boat that may be using engine power to hold station. This changes RRS 62.1(a).
THE COURSE (57 miles approx)
1. STARTING LINE
2. KISH Lighthouse (S)
3. M2 Buoy (S) 53 28.8N 5 25.5W
4. FINISH LINE

FINISH LINE
The finish line shall be between the end of the Holyhead breakwater and the Clippera Buoy – 0.6
miles off pier head, bearing 067(T).
Boats approaching the finish should contact "ISORA Finisher" on VHF Channel 37 (M1) when 1 hour
from the finish and again at 10 minutes from the finish. Please note that the finisher will only have a
handheld radio and you may not receive an acknowledgment to the first contact.
The finish time and the time due North of M2 should be recorded in the log by each boat and text to
ISORA at 00353 87 2545037 as soon as possible after the race as a Declaration.

RETIREMENTS
Telephone National Yacht Club 00353 1 2805725 and text ISORA 00353 87 2545037
For safety it is recommended to also inform the coastguard
NOTES
1. Keep a close lookout for commercial traffic when entering or exiting Dun Laoghaire and
Holyhead. The Stena HSS in particular can be hard to spot from behind the breakwater.
2. The time of crossing the finish line should be noted in the log.
3. Dinner will be available at Holyhead Sailing Club on Saturday evening. Phone No. 0044 1407
762526
4. Berthing in Holyhead Marina can be arranged. Phone 0044 1407 764242

Sailing offshore? The National Yacht Club is staging an 'Introduction to Offshore Racing' evening next Saturday 7th April 2011 at 19.30 and a line up of speakers inlcudes Maurice 'Prof' O’Connell on winning the 2009 Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race. Mick Liddy on how to prepare for offshore sailing. Former National Yacht Club commodore Peter Ryan will give tips on ISORA racing in the Irish Sea.

Whether you are a Round Ireland expert or an offshore newbie the Dun Laoghaire club stresses it is an informal night but a 'unique one' both for offshore sailing fans and those who might be considering going offshore for the first time this season.

 

All the latest ISORA News

All the latest ICRA News

All the latest La Solitaire du Figaro News

All the latest Round Ireland News

 

Chairman of ISORA Peter Ryan sets out the 2011 programme for ISORA that kicks off on April 7th with an introductory evening on April 7th.

Spring has come and the days are getting longer. It is now time to be thinking about offshore racing again. The first race is on the 30th April from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead.

I attach again the latest Race Schedule, Notice of Race, Conditions and Entry Form for 2011. I also attach details of the proposed "Offshore Introduction" night for offshore racing on the 7th April. Even if you are experienced, you can add to the proceedings or just come for the reception after.

There is an extensive list of eleven races in the schedule. The types of race vary greatly to give a variety of racing experiences. There are Day Races, Night Races, Short Cross Channel Races, Medium Cross Channel Races, 100 mile Lyver Trophy Race and "The Dingle Skellig Hotel D2D" – Dingle Race. There is racing for IRC, IRC No Spinnaker and 2-handed classes.

This season, if the number of entries permits, we will be running a Classic Class in both Class 1 & 2. The boats eligible for the Classic Classes will be selected by the Sailing Committee before the start of the first race and the selection will be based on the boats performance / capability during the previous season. It is hoped that this will provide a much greater spread of prizes. The rating break for Class 1 and Class 2 will be decided at the same time.

The Race schedule has been carefully selected to ensure the maximum amount of sailing and social life is obtained. The usual "get together" will take place before and after each race. This season we have some additional attractions:

If desired, the race on the 28th May from Pwllheli to Wicklow can be followed by boats taking part in the "Turbine Race" (see www.arklowsc.com on Sunday 29th. This race starts and finishes in Arklow, 10 miles from Wicklow. This will allow the usual "get together" in Wicklow on Saturday evening and another one in Arklow on Sunday after the Turbine Race. This is the UK Bank Holiday weekend and will allow the UK boats time to return home on Monday!

After taking part in the "Dingle Skellig Hotel D2D Dingle Race" on the 11th June. Please note that a second separate entry to the NYC is required if taking part in this race in the series. After a few relaxing nights in Dingle, you can wander around to take part in the "ICRA Championships" in Crosshaven before making your way to Kinsale for the "Sovereign's Cup". The Dingle Race is a qulaifier race for the Fastnet Race.

The Lyver Race on the 1st July is a Feeder Race to the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta from the 7th-10th July – a great few days sailing in Dublin Bay. This race is a RORC qualifier for the Fastnet Race. Again, seperate entry is required for the Liverpool Yacht Club sections of the event. 

The Sunday Race on the 14th August will take place directly after the start of the Solitaire du Figaro fleet from Dun Laoghaire. If possible we will set a course to follow the fleet down the coast. For visiting boats to Dun Laoghaire, the Figaro fleet will arrive in Dun Laoghaire on the Wednesday 10th August and there will be a festival in Dun Laoghaire for the couple of days to celebrate the event. There will be great craic in Dun Laoghaire for those days.

You may not have noticed but the ISORA website www.isora.org has been upgraded and will become very active this year. There is a "Crew Register" and a "Buy and Sell" section in the "Forum" page. I would encourage everyone to register for this facility and use it to get crew for races or for crew to get boats. Try the website out.

The "ISORA Introductory Evening" in the NYC on the 7th April. The purpose of this is to encourage those boats who are thinking of taking part in Offshore Racing by a series of talks about what is involved in this type of racing. I will also use this session to demonstrate the use of the new website's "Crew Register". I also hope to issue detailed instructions by email on the use of this facility. The session will be followed by a reception where people can solialise and relax. "Prof" O'Connell and Mick Liddy will be talking at the event. I will also be encouraging participation from the audience. It will be a great night so please come and bring a friend.

I look forward to receiving your entries very soon. I would appreciate it if you could also spread the good news about ISORA and Offshore Racing.

Two handed IRC racing makes its debut in July's Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta organisers have confirmed this week. Up to six boats have expressed interest in the new intiative and the organisers say the class will race over a mix of coastal and windward leeward courses. It's an exciting development for the regatta that is already receiving a flow of entries 11 weeks ahead of the entry deadline.

Double handed Class captain Olivier Prouveur of the National YC says boats that have expressed an interest so far are the regular ISORA participant Mojito from the UK, Team Windmill (J109), JBellino (J-122), Dinah (Barry Hurley's modified JOD 35 with which he won his class in the OSTAR 2009) and Oystercatcher (second in the two-handed class in the Round Ireland race).

Other boats are also likely now that the regatta has confirmed the class start, according to Prouveur. The hope of course is others, such as round Ireland winners Psipina Paddy Cronin and John Loden or Alchemiste Michael Murphy and Alex Voye might also be interested.

The possibility of an Open 40 entry plus a new white sail division are just some of the developments for the tenth Dingle Skellig Hotel Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race. Over 50 (SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS BY MICHAEL CHESTER) gathered at the National YC in Dun Laoghaire last night to hear local TD and the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Culture Mary Hanafin give a ringing endorsement for the unique 320-mile offshore race when it sets sail on June 11th. A notice of race and entry form is available for download below.

The last race attracted 39 entries and a course record was set by Michael Cotter's Whisper. This year organisers Martin Crotty and Brian Barry along with Dingle Harbour master Brian Farrell are confident that they will break the 40 boat barrier. They may well be right as the event has been specifically timed to bring Dublin boats to the south coast for ten days of racing at the ICRA Nationals in Cork Harbour and the Sovereigns Cup the following week in Kinsale.

The event is also benefitting from inclusion in this year's ISORA calendar.

Present last night were represntatives from the major Bay clubs, including Breda Dillon from Howth YC and Fintan Cains of ICRA. Peter Ryan of ISORA, who is also the National YC commodore spoke about plans to develop off shore sailing and the club's plans to welcome the international Figaro offshore fleet in August.

Solo sailor Mick Lidddy who is making a bid for an Irish entry into the race was also in attendance.

SCROLL DOWN FOR LAUNCH PHOTOS BY MICHAEL CHESTER

Afloat coverage of the 2009 Race is HERE

ISORA has published its race schedule for 2011 and to win the overall sailing series next year boats must complete four of the six 'qualifying' events. Points for the overall series will then be taken from the best five results from ALL the races completed.

The offshore body has also changed the scoring of each race to the High Score system and it will apply weightings for those qualifying races depending on the complexity of the race. The aim is to better reward the winner and participants of longer races with bigger fleets.

To provide opportunities for those boats who have not been winning to win prizes and trophies, it was also agreed to create a "Silver" fleet in both Class 1 and Class 2. The selection of boats to enter the "Silver" fleet for 2011 will be based on their performance in 2010. The success of these new classes will depend on maintaining the number of boats entering and racing at least at last year's numbers.