Madam, - Following recent incidents in Dun Laoghaire and Greystones, there have been calls for more regulation of junior sailing. However, conditions at sea vary so much from place to place that central forecasting of sea condition cannot be sufficiently accurate.
Last Saturday at the Dun Laoghaire regatta there were six courses in different parts of Dublin Bay. Even though the bay is only about 10 miles square, some races were shortened because there was too much wind and at the same time some races could not be started as there was not enough wind.
As an island nation, we need to encourage leisure use of the sea and training courses and competitive events are an essential part of this. If trainees cannot sail whenever there is a small craft warning (SCW), they will not get enough experience; sailing is an adventure sport and trainees must learn to face the unexpected.
There were no injuries in either event. Often when there is an SCW sea conditions are reasonable.
The decision to run events depends on an assessment of local sea conditions, the number of safety boats, the quality of radio communications, the skill of the trainees and instructors, the weather forecast, etc. Declan Howard (July 14th) suggests that rigid guidelines and regulation by a local authority are needed, but this would probably stop people sailing in reasonable conditions. Local authorities can make a contribution by providing good slipways so that safety boats can be launched easily.
Incidents should be reviewed under the guidance of the Irish Sailing Association in consultation with rescue agencies. - Yours, etc,
DEREK MITCHELL,
Leas Cathaoirleach,
Wicklow County Council,
Greystones,
Co Wicklow.