Sportsboats victims of their success

It doesn't seem all that long ago that predictions of the demise of `big-boat' and handicap keelboat racing were running rampant as the interest in Sportsboats dominated in sailing circles. Now that the smoke has cleared, an interesting new picture of the high-end users in Ireland is emerging.

A concerted effort at the turn of the decade saw a dozen top owners come together on the east coast to formally agree that the 40 footer, or thereabouts, was the ideal size boat for those interested in committing to the bigger end of the yacht racing spectrum. For a spell, there was unanimity in a branch of the sport known for individualism and while agreement on a `one-design' class might have been extreme, the owners even began using a local fleet performance handicap system.

Within a couple of years however, the 1720 Sportsboat emerged and that also brought the Melges 24, Hunter 707 and Sigma 8 Metre to name a few. Fast and exciting at a price that would barely cover the cost of a season's sail wardrobe, Sportsboats arrived to meet a demand for `convenience yachting'.

While the development of 40 footers saw the emergence of Class Zero in the Dublin area, there was certainly a dip in both ownership and entries at regular club events as the best crews departed for the excitement offered by the 1720. The Tony Castro design has quickly seen off overseas competition and has a regular following in Cork, Dublin and Belfast Lough as well as growing fleets further afield.

However, there are signs emerging that the 1720 could be turning into a victim of its own success. Introduced as an exciting club racing boat, the rush of Ireland's top sailors ranging from Olympians to class champions and Admiral's Cuppers soon introduced an elite level quite different to that first intended.

The difference hinges on what is required for Club racing, which is generally accepted to mean the height of ambition for the average domestic sailor. The popularity of the 1720 in its early years, however, has seen the class catered for at nearly every major event below international level.

Perhaps this was to attract top names or provide a spectacle at these events or maybe both. The reality is that many sailors have effectively been scared off both by the standards set plus the high travel commitment and costs involved. This hasn't gone unnoticed by the class association, however, and moves have been afoot to limit away events to encourage mid-level crews to sail.

The indications are that this status quo should settle down without threat to the success of the class which continues to hold its own. However, other signs point to developing interest away from the thrills and spills of Sportsboats and a return to more `traditional' boats.

In a week's time, Dublin Bay Sailing Club host their seventh annual challenge for big keelboats with Equity Bank on board as their new sponsor. The event is to take on a distinct American feel with a deliberate move to follow the courses used at Key West and the Southern Ocean Racing Conference events every winter in Florida. The use of Killiney Bay has been abandoned with straight line courses making the most of the main Dublin Bay race ground.

Classes zero and one will race the same course as will class two but only as far as the weather mark should conditions dictate. In the past, the smaller boats low speed has caused problems on the water but this should be sorted this year with their own separate weather mark in use. Other changes include a tight leeward mark `gate' for all classes and organisers stressed that crews should read the Sailing Instructions carefully.

However, it is the composition of the classes at the event that is providing the interesting development. "The big boats have settled around the 38 to 40 feet mark and the turnout seems to be growing," according to Fintan Cairns, ViceCommodore of DBSC. "We had 16 boats (in class zero) last year and great racing; the word is out so we hope to match that again."

Cairns also points to Class One where there has been a lull in interest but he believes a resurgence is on the way. "Boats like Velvet Glove are leading the way but Maxim, Scenario Encore and XClaim as well as Brian Mackle's Rebel are all doing well," said Cairns who predicts that next year will see that fleet back to full form.

Interestingly for club sailors, the DBSC are giving the Sigma 33 fleet a separate start to the usual Class Two fleet. This well-established class has ten boats in Dublin Bay at the start of the season and as many as 15 are expected for the Challenge weekend though they will not be eligible for the IRC Irish Sea Championship section of the event.

Key to the success of this Cruiser/Racer class appears to be the emphasis on club events rather than intensive travelling during the season.

America's Cup Skipper Bertrand Pace of France lost his unbeaten run but retained the lead on the second day of the Match Racing World Championship in Denmark yesterday after defending champion Peter Gilmour of Australia beat him in the morning session.