The first regional regatta fleet event is less than a month away.  Do you know that this year we have changed the format to include more emphasis on training and less pressure on racing? 

Entries for the regatta fleet are limited this year so make sure to get your parents to enter early if you want to sail in the regatta fleet at events.  IODAI regards the regatta fleet sailors as the core of junior sailing in Ireland and so we have appointed two permanent coaches for all the events this year.  Katie Malcolm that many of you already know will be the head coach and Katie White will be the deputy coach for the regatta fleet events in 2010.  We have put down a strict sailor to coach ratio and this is why there is a limit on the entries.  Unfortunately it will not be possible to enter on the day for the regatta fleet at any of the events.

IODAI hopes that by putting more emphasis on coaching that sailors will have a good grounding before they enter the main fleet. You must be able to sail a triangle competently in light to medium airs before joining the regatta fleet.  If you wish to develop your racing skills, IODAI encourages you to sail in club races and local regattas to gain racing experience.

The regatta fleet is an opportunity for our very youngest and inexperienced sailors to experience the event atmosphere without the pressure of racing. Remember you will come ashore at lunch time each day and weather permitting you will sail again in the afternoon and may or may not get some racing experience depending on the conditions.  The Regatta fleet coaches aim to let all our younger sailors have fun on the water.

All regatta fleet competitors will be awarded medals.  We hope that this less pressured environment will help the younger sailors develop a long lasting passion for sailing.

Remember if you are looking for ranking points for next year, this fleet does not receive ranking points.

Jill Sommerville

Regatta Fleet Co-ordinator