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Irish 29ers Skiffs Caught Between Covid Restrictions & International Class Association

4th May 2021
29er skiff sailing on Dublin Bay
29er skiff sailing on Dublin Bay Credit: Afloat

The 29er Class Association finds itself caught between Irish Covid restrictions and the International Class Association, which is seeking a ranking listing by May 15 for Irish youth entries for this year's World and European Championships.

The Association has written to all those who have registered an interest in being part of the process.

The International Class has also asked the Irish Class to present a list of three teams for each regatta, by the 15th of May. There is more interest from Irish members than slots available, which have been limited by international Covid restrictions. So an 'On The Water' evaluation was decided on by the Class Association in order to create a ranking system.

However, Irish Covid inter-county travel restrictions have caused difficulties in doing this.

"We have not been able to host an assessment day for the 2021 29er World and European Championships. This is due to the current travel restrictions still in place in Ireland. All those who have registered an interest in being part of the process have been contacted regarding this. It is a very fluid situation, one which has us fitted in between National restrictions and International Class desires.

"We have no firm date set for this process as yet as we are trying to work with the International 29er Class to remove the need for a ranking list within this short timeframe, They currently have asked for a ranking by May 15 for all nations. As travel restrictions are to be lifted on May 10, we have pencilled in May 15 as a possible option should we not be able to get an extension from the International Class," says Matt McGovern for the Irish class Association and a member of the Irish 29er Selection Committee.

The Class is seeking extra places from the International Association.

The World Championships are scheduled for Aarhus, Denmark from July 30-August 7 and the Europeans at CN Valencia, Spain, from August 23-31.

Published in 29er, Youth Sailing
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