SAILING: One of largest commercial sponsorships was announced by the Irish Sailing Association yesterday in a one-year deal with Anglo Irish Bank.

The governing body will receive a sum "substantially greater" than €100,000 to be used to support a number of key events and fund a new marketing drive for the sport.

Under the terms of the agreement, Anglo Irish Bank becomes the title sponsor of the ISA for one year. Among the events the bank will sponsor are the Anglo Irish Bank Topper European Championships, the Anglo Irish Bank Etchells European Championships and the Anglo Irish Bank Helmsman's championship of Ireland.

The Etchells event at Howth Yacht Club follows on last summer's inaugural class Irish championship that attracted Russell Coutts, the triple America's Cup winning skipper, who is expected to compete again this August.

Another global sailing legend is also expected to compete in his Etchells off Howth this summer.

But owing to diary pressures Denis Conner will not be sailing at the same time as Coutts as the American will only be competing in the Irish championship.

However, recent class convert Jay Bourke indicated at yesterday's launch that he will invite Dragon class nonpareil Pol Ricard Hoj-Jensen to Ireland to compete at either event.

If Hoj-Jensen accepts, a classic showdown on Irish waters is in store.

The Etchellses were also in action on the River Liffey last weekend in a mirror event to the highly successful series staged by the 1720 class.

Anthony Shanks won the random pairs event, which was held during peak hours for the benefit of spectators on the river banks.

The originators of the format have also announced their dates this week. The Docklands Authority Liffey Challenge will be held on Friday, July 22nd, from 11am to 3pm.

Eamon Conneely's Patches will make her third racing appearance next week for the Sovereign's Cup regatta. Both the winner of the RORC IRC Championship Trophy, Flying Glove raced by Colm Barrington, and the winner of the Jackdaw Trophy, Antix raced by Anthony O'Leary, will also be competing for the event title and the Irish Cruiser Racer Association National championship title.

The recent Kinsale YC April League provided an indicator of local talent from new boats.

The Southern big boats include a number of Corby designs - Eamon Rohan's Mustang Sally, Kieran Twomey's Gloves Off, and Dave Dwyer's Mariner's Cove.

Meanwhile, the Galway Bay 2005 Cruiser championship in association with the Marine Institute looks set to break the 50-boat entry with 12 days to the start on Wednesday, June 29th (it runs to July 2nd).

Entries received so far are four from Clifden, eight from Westport, and six making the journey from Sligo. The bulk of entries will be from Galway Bay Sailing Club.

As a warm-up to the event, a Round Aran Race will be held next Friday ( June 24th) starting from Galway Docks. A rest day on the island will be followed by a feeder race back to Salthill to watch the Airshow on Sunday.