Safety warning as season begins

SAILING: Easter may be earlier than usual this year but the warm weather is certain to lead to an early to sea for sailors around the country. Helped in part by improving access to the water and better clothing technology, it is becoming harder to distinguish the traditional "off-season" at many venues.

Nevertheless, the start to the new season has been marked by a warning from the Irish Water Safety Association ahead of the Easter holiday. High-tides, sensible alcohol intake, life-jackets, care of children and cold water-temperatures are among the key points contained in the alert for the predicted 70,000 people that will go afloat.

Lieut Cdr John Leech of Irish Water Safety points to the statistics that show alcohol to be a factor in 30 per cent of drowning accidents in this country. Sensible intake is the plea.

Tonight's full moon will lead to spring tides over the weekend and faster than normal flows can be expected. Wind against tide situations will be particularly hazardous for producing rougher than expected conditions.

Along with proper servicing of boat equipment, life-jackets should also get attention and IWS stresses: ensure the co2 cartridge has not been partially or wholly unscrewed from its housing; ensure all buckles, fasteners, crotch strap and webbing straps are functioning correctly and in good order; check that their lights, if fitted are operating correctly; ensure the life-jacket is adjusted for your body size; check the automatic inflating device has not been triggered accidentally or has been damaged; always wear life-jackets over your oilskins or other protective clothing; after use rinse life-jackets off in fresh water protecting the soluble bobbin or cartridge if fitted and hang them up vertically in a dry atmosphere.

Sea-water temperatures can still be expected to be around nine degrees and some acclimatisation will be needed before staying immersed for long periods. For children, the mnemonic s.a.f.e is recommended: stay away from the edge.

Meanwhile, the main summer season is promising to be a busy affair with a clutch of events all neatly coinciding at, or around, the end of June. The decision to move the Dún Laoghaire-Dingle Race (D2D) from the first week of July to mid-June is likely to prove a boost for entries in the similarly biennial Sovereign's Cup Regatta at Kinsale.

Crews planning to use the D2D as a feeder race for the "the real Cork Week" would be well-advised to get their entries in next week as the closing date of April 8th for entries approaches and the entry level is 24 per cent above the corresponding level of entries for the 2003 event, itself a record at 160 boats.

The regatta (June 22nd-25th) will also incorporate the Irish Cruiser Racer Association (ICRA) National Cruiser Championships, now its in its second year, while other entrants in previous years, especially in the ever-expanding White Sails fleet, have incorporated the event as part of a sailing holiday.

After racing ends in Kinsale, boats have several options. A fast turnaround gives three days to get to Galway for the biennial Galway Bay Week (29th-2nd) so keen crews could manage a second series in quick succession followed by another event when WIORA 2005 is held at Western Yacht Club, Kilrush, (July 13th-16th) with feeder races from Kinsale on June 30th and from Galway on July 9th.

Alternatively, boats from the Irish Sea can take their time to head to home waters. Bangor Week during the July 12th holiday is hoping to attract southern boats though Dún Laoghaire Week's inaugural combined regatta there (July 7th-11th) is fast heading for a turnout of 500 boats and in time could be set to rival the fleets seen at Cowes.