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Displaying items by tag: EU Tourism Policy

The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) is in high level talks with the European Boating Industry tomorrow on EU Boating Licences and a new European Directive for Recreational Craft. There will also be discussion on the new EU Tourism policy.
The Irish Marine Federation's Steve Conlon is to meet with Ms. Mirna Cieniewicz, Secretary General of The European Boating Industry, to discuss the implications of the changes recently announced by EU Vice President Antonio Tajani.
Vice President Tajani announced changes to the EU Recreational Craft Directive, a move towards a common European Union Boat license and a new EU Tourism Policy.
The RCD has been unchanged since its adoption, however, there has been a wide divergence in its interpretation in different member states. The new RDC intends to remove ambiguities and provide clarity. It will also deal with environmental issues. It is expected that the full text of the new RCD will be available in November.
Vice President Tajani revealed that the Commission was investigating if it would be helpful to apply in all member states a UN resolution which would create a common certificate of competence for all boaters. The Commission expect to make a survey at the beginning of 2011.
On the 30th of June the Commission adapted a communication on a new political framework for tourism. This is a direct result of the Lisbon Treaty. The Vice President insists that there is a dedicated action to develop sustainable coastal and marine tourism and that the European Marine Leisure Industry should take full advantage of this opportunity.
The IMF will continue to work with the European Boating Industry to lobby the EU to ensure that EU legislation is fully supportive of the industry as a whole. The IMF will continue to seek to ensure that the RCD is fully integrated and policed in Ireland at the same time ensuring that Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland promote marine leisure tourism as a fully integrated tourism product at home and overseas.
Published in Marine Federation

SB20 (formerly Laser SB3) information

Designed by Tony Castro, the SB20 is a British-built strict one-design 6.15m keelboat conceived as a wide appeal, affordable, competitive sportsboat for teams of three or four sailors. It is also, arguably, the most successful sportsboat in the world with 800 owners competing regularly in a programme of exciting local, national and international events.

Originally known as the Laser SB3, the SB20 continues to deliver on its pioneering promise: a boat that is fun, fast and easy to sail by anyone of any age; the best value-for-money sportsboat in the market.

The Laser SB3 was designed by Castro and launched in 2002. In 2007 the Laser SB3 was awarded ISAF Recognised Status and the first World Championships were held in Ireland in 2008. In 2012, Tony Castro appointed a new builder, Sportsboat World. At this time, the Laser SB3 was renamed the SB20 and building was returned to the UK from Malaysia. The ethos of the class continues.

The boat is a strict one-design class, economic to buy and campaign, easy to sail with a simple deck layout and electric downwind performance delivered by the generous sail plan. The boat has a lifting keel, can easily be launched from a slipway and towed behind a family car.

Previous SB20 World Champions

2008 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Roger Gilbert, Roz Allen & Sarah Allan

Host National Yacht Club, Dun laoghaire, Ireland

2009 GBR: Craig Burlton, Stephen White, Adam Heeley

Host Clube Naval de Cascais, Cascais, Portugal

2010 GBR: Jerry Hill, Grant Rollerson, Joe Llewellyn

Host Circolo Vela Torbole, Lake Garda, Italy

2011 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Andy Ramus, Ian Mills & Emma Clarke

Host Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Torquay, UK

2012 GBR: Geoff Carveth, Lesley Dhonau, Roger Hudson & Asenathi Jim

Host Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Queensland, Australia

2013 GRB: Craig Burlton, Stephen White, Adam Heley Host COYCH Club, Hyeres, France