The Irish Multihull Association (IMA) is inviting other high-performance sailing classes to combine their provincial and national championships in 2027, in a move aimed at increasing participation and reducing the financial burden on host yacht clubs.
The initiative would allow complementary fleets to share an event or enable multihull sailors to join championships already being organised by other classes.
According to the IMA, rising costs associated with rescue boats, race committees, fuel, volunteers, shoreside facilities and catering are putting pressure on clubs to make championship events financially viable.
By bringing several fleets together, the association believes clubs could attract larger entries while making better use of available resources.
Ballyholme's Weekend of Speed Provides the Model
The IMA points to Ballyholme Yacht Club's Weekend of Speed on Belfast Lough, which brought multihulls together with the 29er, 49er and 49erFX fleets.
The event attracted leading Irish sailors, including Annalise Murphy, the McGovern brothers and Olympic 49er sailors Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove.
The combined-fleet format has an established history at Ballyholme. In September 2018, the club hosted a Weekend of Speed incorporating the Irish Multihull Championships and high-performance skiff racing.
The IMA also highlights the more recent Northern Championships at Ballyholme, which attracted four visiting UK competitors through its association with the Irish Sea Challenge between Ballyholme and Portpatrick.
The association says the event generated interest among sponsors, club members, the public and sailing media.
Invitation to Classes for 2027
IMA representative Richard Swanston believes the approach offers benefits for clubs, competitors and sponsors alike.
Larger combined events could help clubs cover their costs while giving sponsors greater exposure and providing spectators with a more varied programme of high-performance racing.
The association is now inviting class secretaries interested in combining events during 2027 to discuss potential dates and venues.
Interested classes can contact Richard Swanston at [email protected].
