Irish Sailing Seeks Funding to Support Team Racing Strategy

9th January 2019

Afloat.ie Team

Team Racing in Firefly dinghies atDun Laoghaire Credit: Afloat.ie

Irish Sailing is putting together a funding application to support Irish Sailing’s Team Racing strategy and is seeking quotes for a contractor to develop the programme starting late Spring of 2019 with a tight timeline for the funding application.

Irish Sailing is seeking quotes from self-employed contractors, for a one-year, full time, initial contract as Irish Sailing’s Team Racing Development Officer.

The primary role of the TRDO is to develop Team Racing across Irish Sailing organisations for the purpose of increasing membership activity, retaining keen sailors, and increasing participation. The successful candidate may be based anywhere in Ireland and will work in conjunction with the existing development officers, policy groups and Irish Team Racing Association to support Irish Sailing affiliated Clubs, Classes and accredited Training Centres to grow and develop their team racing activities.

With a fleet of Team Racing dinghies, the successful contractor will develop and deliver programmes and initiatives in line with Irish Sailing strategies, to expand team racing across Ireland in Irish Sailing affiliated Clubs and accredited Training centres to include

coaching (race management and team racing sailors both ashore & on the water)
development of regional links between Clubs, Training Centres, Classes and Colleges
maintenance of robust Irish Sailing TR dinghy fleet
event support

While upskilling may be available, ideally the contractor will be:

self-motivated, proactive and professional, with drive and vision
a passionate and active sailor and team racer
over 20 years of age with a full driver’s licence
an excellent communicator
a qualified instructor/coach

Initially, the funding being applied for is for a one year contract for the 2019 season, which may be extended if the programme is successful.

In the event of a successful funding application, a formal selection process will be initiated during the middle of March, with a view to starting April 2019.

The timeline for funding application is tight. Please send a letter of application and CV, along with a quote for a daily rate being sought for the role to Harry Hermon, Chief Executive by email to; [email protected] before close of business on Friday 18th January.

Published in Team Racing, Irish Sailing

Published in Team Racing

Tagged under

Team Racing

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About Team Racing

Team racing in sailing is an exciting, strategy-focused format where two teams, usually with three boats each, compete to achieve the best combined score by the end of the race. Unlike fleet racing, where individual performance matters most, team racing emphasises teamwork, tactics, and boat positioning to outmanoeuvre the opposing team.

Each team typically has three boats, often two-person dinghies like the Firefly class. The boats from each team are distinguished by their unique sail colours or numbers.

Points are assigned to finishing positions, with 1 point for 1st place, 2 points for 2nd place, and so on. The team with the lowest combined score wins. The target is to achieve a "winning combination" of points. In a six-boat race (three per team), winning combinations include scores like 10 points or less for a 1-2-6 or a 2-3-5 finish.

Teams can slow down or block opposing boats, especially in an advantageous position. A boat ahead can "cover" an opponent, manoeuvring to block the wind and slow them down.

Teams often employ manoeuvres to help slower boats catch up or pass opponents, switching positions if needed. This keeps the team in a winning configuration.

At key turning points, boats can execute mark traps, where they intentionally slow down or position themselves to block opponents, forcing them into bad turns or causing them to lose speed.

Team racing follows standard sailing rules but with some additions tailored to team tactics. For example, a "fouling" boat (one that breaks a rule) must complete a penalty turn or even multiple turns, depending on the rule violation. Penalty management is crucial as it can make or break a team's success in the race.

Constant communication is key as team members coordinate strategies, adjust for wind shifts, and adapt to changes in the race. They signal intentions, warn of opponents' moves, and ensure every team member’s position is optimized.

In short, team racing combines fast-paced sailing with strategic teamwork. While speed is essential, winning often depends more on positioning, communication, and the ability to execute effective tactics as a team.