Celtic Tiger leaves too little time available

The effects of the Celtic Tiger continue to reap a toll on traditional sailing practice as the Royal Alfred Yacht Club in Dublin confirmed significant changes to its 2001 programme.

Last season, the diminution of offshore sailing was more apparent than ever with a low-turnover for the Round Ireland Race. This year, it appears to be the turn of inshore sailors.

But with major lifestyle changes affecting many people, demand for the regular racing programme has seen a fall-off in interest, mainly from the northside.

"We found that Dun Laoghaire boats were travelling to Howth but fewer and fewer boats were turning out to compete against them," said Clare Foley, vice-commodore of the RAYC.

The falling numbers have been linked to the amount of time people have available. The travel time to either venue has been blamed while some Howth one-design classes have suggested that sailing the extra distance simply to race against each other is pointless.

Dating back to the 1860s, the "the Alfred" has maintained a significant following from both Dun Laoghaire and Howth. With a membership of 900, the RAYC is a club without a clubhouse, enjoying the support and facilities of the established venues.

As the oldest Corinthian yacht club in the world, racing and event organisation has been the bedrock of the annual sailing season.

The likely fixtures for 2001 for the RAYC will include the usual superleague that encompasses the four Dun Laoghaire regattas plus two special RAYC days at the start and end of the season.

One-design classes also have the Baily Bowl while a Dun Laoghaire to Howth race is intended to maintain the traditional link between the two venues.

Final dates are to be confirmed after discussions with the Dublin Bay Sailing Club.

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the country, Galway Bay Sailing Club receives the ISA's Millennium award this weekend as the most progressive club in the country.

Intended to encourage Irish clubs to develop policies in line with the national authorities' aims, the Rinville-based GBSC submitted a range of new and recent developments.

In the last three years, the club's membership has grown by 100 per cent and the major access point for a 20-mile radius and a population of some 100,000 people.

Plans are underway to upgrade the clubhouse and grounds and a campaign has started to develop a 100-berth marina at the venue.

Particular policies reflecting the national programme include development of women's sailing, introduction of regular safety courses, junior and adult sailing lessons for members and public alike and powerboat certification. It is also stated that the wearing of lifejackets and personal flotation devices is part of the culture of the club.

On the subject of introducing newcomers to sailing, the biennial IMF Dublin Boat Show is due to start next Wednesday at the RDS, running until Sunday, and will appeal to beginners and experts alike. Powerboating is certain to feature strongly as the convenience of "step-aboard" craft will be a bonus for time-pressed enthusiasts.

Among the highlights of the show will be the original Asgard that will travel from Kilmainham Gaol for the occasion. Co-inciding with the event, Afloat has launched a special appeal in its Boat Show edition requesting anyone with "souvenirs" of the original boat to return them, anonymously if preferred, to assist with the restoration project.

In other news, Gavin Jones from Howth YC, who has recently become a full-time campaigner in the single-handed Laser for Athens 2004, finished 20th in a fleet of 57 boats from 12 countries at the Eurolymp regatta at the same venue; his best result was an eighth.

Paul Goodison, training partner to the Sydney Gold medallist, won the series followed by South Africa's Gareth Blackenberg in second spot.