Straitened times also present interesting opportunities

SAILING/REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL: TALES OF economic woe and dire predictions for 2009 and beyond are casting a pall over the festive season and, with bad news breaking daily, there is genuine cause for concern looking towards next year. But if the adage "in every crisis lies an opportunity" is true then the coming season is set to be a strong year for sailing and water sports.

But talk is cheap so to test the waters, this week's column presents: Reasons to be Cheerful

No. 1 Having just ended a period of sustained economic growth, we now have a collective fleet of modern sailing boats and equipment ready for use. Indeed, a by-product of boom times has resulted in a shortage of crew that has seen many boats lie unused for part of the season.

"I recall the 70s when times were tough," said Irish Sailing Association president Peter Crowley. "We often knew a guy who could afford a boat but needed crew and we were more than happy to oblige and had some of the best racing ever."

During 2008, The Irish Times reported that lack of crew was one of the contributing reasons for the establishment of "White Sails" classes for bigger boats that lacked sufficient regular crew to compete at full strength.

So in the future, as always, boat ownership is not needed to take part and demand is set to be as high as ever.

No. 2 Nevertheless, while some people will find it necessary to reduce their overheads, one boat-owner's crisis is most certainly another's opportunity. With so many new boats purchased during the strong years, that now leads inevitably to a second-hand market that is entering a growth phase.

"Sellers are willing to be more realistic in current times," said boat broker Paddy Boyd who has noticed a strong market in the last month. "There are plenty of bargains out there and there's great value for money too."

No. 3 Straitened times are a challenge to step up to the mark and be counted. When it comes to sailing and water sports, the premier showcase opportunity is the Irish Marine Federation's gathering for the Allianz Dublin Boat Show.

"The boat show is absolutely going ahead - we have more people paid up than ever before," said IMF board member Ian O'Meara. "Of course there's negativity but this is something we have to do and it's going to be great."

Indicating underlying unity and confidence in the sector, the February event is set to focus less on new big boats and more on activity.

No. 4 When it comes to showcase opportunities, the timing of the Volvo Ocean Race stopover in Galway from May 23rd to June 6th will be second to none. After all, if 900,000 Spaniards turned up in Alicante and almost as many Indians visited the Kochi stopover last week then the west will truly be awake next spring.

The two-week stopover is estimated to be worth €43 million to the economy and with such a boost, will goodwill towards the sport ever be so high? As the race will be entering its deciding stage at the end of the transatlantic leg, Galway and Ireland will be a Mecca for fans and visitors alike.

No. 5 Although no international championships are scheduled for Ireland in 2009 - a first in recent memory - the season ahead is packed with premium events. For cruiser sailors, the ICRA Championships in Kerry will be a great new development, while Sovereign's Week in Kinsale and the Dún Laoghaire to Dingle Race are perennial favourites.

Dún Laoghaire's biennial combined regatta week in July is aiming to have another large entry. With boats and crews plentiful, a full turn-out can be expected from a sport willing to show solidarity with the voluntary organisers.

No. 6 In contrast to the 1970s, sailing and water sports have benefited mightily from investment in marina and shore side facilities in the last 10 years so significant inroads have been made in addressing restricted access to sea-going activities.

But as recession bites and initiatives are needed, could there be a better time for the Government to address an existing opportunity for coastal communities hardest hit by the decline in the fishing industry? Tourism, cultural activities and services would all benefit from a co-ordinated coastal renewal and investment strategy.

Plus, increased activity in more remote areas of the coast would also act as a deterrent for criminals that have taken advantage of the remote beauty that our coastline offers to so many.

branigan@indigo.ie