Battle Royal in US

SAILING/Column: Although the 2004 Olympic selection process has still to be finalised the pride of two Royal clubs is at stake on Sunday in Miami, Florida, when two Irish crews go head-to-head in what is set to be one of the longest fought battles for Olympic nomination in Irish sailing history.

The battle will be fought over six races between Royal Cork's Olympic veteran Mark Mansfield and Killian Collins and Dublin newcomers Royal St George pair Max Treacy and Anthony Shanks, who have moved up the world rankings to 25th to come within 21 places of their rivals who retain fourth place in the latest International Sailing Federation's (ISAF) ranking ladder.

Adding extra spice to the duel is controversy over a class weight limit and - in an Irish context - the last-minute charter for next week's prestigious Bacardi Cup by talented Irish pair Maurice O'Connell and Jamie McWilliam - also of the Royal Cork - will boost Irish participation at the Biscayne Bay event to a record level.

At home, in a move to "ringfence" funding for the 2004 Olympic regatta the Irish Sailing Association (ISA) named its Olympic squad yesterday in a branding exercise to be called "Team Ireland". Irish Sports Council chief executive John Treacy launched the initiative at the Dublin Boat Show at the RDS, Ballsbridge. The move, according to Olympic team manager Garrett Connolly, is designed to preserve funding for full-time professional campaigns rather than spreading resources "too thinly across many sailors".

In a further development for Olympic sailing a youth academy was announced at the show to develop a "pathway to the top" for elite junior sailors. The academy will be headed by Olympian Bill O'Hara. Significantly, inclusion in the academy this season will be based on trials in the 420 and Laser radial classes.

A new initiative has been launched by the Irish Disabled Sailing Association at the RDS to fund three paralympic campaigns. The new body will have a media relations role but it will also provide sponsorship presentation assistance to allow its top disabled sailors to concentrate on sailing rather than funding matters.