Royal Saint George Elmo Team Racing Trophy Opens for Entries

18th July 2024

Afloat.ie Team

Over 200 races are expected to be completed at Ireland's biggest team racing event, the Elmo Trophy, at the Royal Saint George Yacht Club event in the last weekend of August

Entry has opened for Ireland's biggest team racing event, the Elmo Trophy, celebrating its ninth edition this year. Teams of youth sailors from around the country and abroad are set to compete in 36 supplied firefly dinghies in Dun Laoghaire harbour on August 31st and September 1st. The Royal Saint George event will look to build on last year's event, which saw 32 teams of 6 crews compete for the title.

The Rutland Raiders, UK visitors, will be back to defend their title. They will be formidable defenders after a year, which saw them win the British Schools team racing title and finish as top youth team at the Wilson trophy. Undaunted, the Irish teams will be strong, and the home club teams, led by Russell Bolger, will expect to challenge others such as Irish Schools champions Schull Sharks and Glandore Sailing Club.

With a maximum of 32 teams and an oversubscription last year, teams are encouraged to enter early for the Elmo Trophy

Alongside the competition the social side is just as important with 220+ sailors dining at the event dinner on Saturday night. As usual club members will look to host visiting teams, a tradition which helps build fun and friendship.

Teams of youth sailors from around the country and abroad are set to compete in 36 supplied firefly dinghies in Dun Laoghaire harbour

Over 200 races will expect to be completed over the weekend, with quarter-finals taking place on Sunday afternoon. As well as on the water spectator craft, this year will also see live commentary on Instagram page for the event (@elmotrophy)

With a maximum of 32 teams and an oversubscription last year, teams are encouraged to enter early. Those entered by August 14th will automatically enter the Elmo early bird raffle.

Teams can view the NOR and Entry form at the event page. See the Link here and event poster attached below for download as a pdf

Downloads

_The Elmo Poster 2024 !.pdf (52 Downloads)

Published in Team Racing, RStGYC

Published in 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.

THE IRISH TEAM RACING ASSOCIATION CALENDAR 2024