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Displaying items by tag: NOW Ireland

Ireland's failure to exploit our offshore wind resources means we are losing out on serious economic and employment growth, according to a wind energy lobby group.

Michael McBennett, president of the National Offshore Wind Association of Ireland (NOW Ireland), spoke during a trade mission to Germany, which the group says has "been particularly active in developing programmes to support the development of offshore wind".

"Governments around Europe have recognised the opportunity that this sector offers," said McBennett.

The NOW Ireland president highlighted the "significant direct investment" that has resulted in the German state of Lower Saxony following its designation as an offshore wind "centre of excellence".

"We should do the same in Arklow, Dublin, Bremore, or Killybegs," he said.

Published in Coastal Notes

RC35 Class

The concept of the RC35 Class is to bring together similar boats within a close handicap banding and to work with owners and crews to develop the best racing experience possible on the Clyde and the Irish Sea area. The Class is within a tight rating band (IRC 1.015-1.040) yacht racing will be in Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

Q: What is the RC35 ‘Rule’?
A: Qualifying yachts for the RC35 Class will sit within an IRC Banding of 1.015 to 1.040. In 2017 it is proposed that a tolerance of +/- 0.05pts will be permitted

Q: Are there any other criteria?
A: RC35 takes the most prevalent IRC racing boats on the Clyde and groups them within a fixed rating band. Qualifying boats will have an LOA 32ft—38ft and displacement of between 3,000kg—9,000kg. The rule also requires boats conform to ISAF Cat.4 be anti-fouled and not dry sailed. A limit of sail purchases (2 per year) also applies.

Q: What is the RC35 Championship?
A: The RC35 Championship will cover 8 events (6 to count) and include events such as Scottish Series, Dun Laoghaire/Bangor and an RC35 Championship weekend. Each year the Class will make a commitment to one ‘away’ regatta as part of the Championship.