Dinghy debate continues

SAILING: The debate around the coast concerning the selection of a new junior training dinghy is set to become decided by market forces following a decision by the national authority to step back from the process.

Individual clubs are now expected to vote on their selection, with a powerful Dun Laoghaire bloc determined to join forces with an outcome that could see a strong single fleet sailed from the south Dublin venue.

The debate surrounds if and how to replace the venerable Mirror dinghy, with two alternatives presenting as front-runners. The RS Feva is favoured by a Dun Laoghaire lobby, while the Topaz is already established in several regional venues.

Pros and cons have been variously cited by proposers and opponents of each dinghy, and a real possibility exists of a two-tiered system should both boats become approved.

The Irish Sailing Association (ISA) has announced it intends to back the existing strong classes and receive proposals from newcomers for assessment as required.

Explaining the ISA's position, racing manager Dave Quinn said: "It's become very clear that there isn't one answer.

"A boat that suits the Dun Laoghaire clubs is simply not going to be acceptable at smaller clubs."

The issue formed part of a detailed strategy meeting aimed at delivering sustainable elite-level sailors for Olympic squads.

Full-time staff from the ISA and the Olympic Sailing Group are trying to decide the best way forward.

The twin issues of management and resources are the biggest challenges, and elite sports managers will need to be present at all levels of emerging youth talent, beginning with the Optimist sailors (that start as young as age eight) all the way up to 18 before reaching Olympic age in early twenties.

Event management and sports sciences need to be key elements in preparation of the very best young sailors from the main dinghy classes.

"What is needed is consolidation, not confusion," Quinn said yesterday.