As the fleet of 215 boats to compete in the Heineken Autumn League at Howth Yacht Club prepare for tomorrow's final race of the season, nerves on some boats will be on edge for more than just the result of the last day.

In class three, overall leader Ian Switzer's Gung Ho dropped out of contention for the largest class after the protest committee upheld a complaint from class two entry Freebird over a port and starboard incident 10 days ago. However, organisers at Howth are arranging a pre-hearing to consider re-opening the case in light of "significant new evidence".

It is understood that an independent witness has come forward but, while it had been hoped to hold the pre-hearing before the final race, the witness is not available. It is expected that the new evidence will be assessed immediately after the final race to allow for a second hearing before the announcement of overall results.

Switzer is now sixth overall. Should the original decision be reversed, his overall result would rest on the final race result. A third place last weekend leaves him in a strong position and a serious threat to David Greene's Equity, who currently leads the 25 boat class.

In a separate incident, class two overall leader Humphrey Go-Kart had faced a protest over an alleged starting line incident in last Sunday's wind-swept fifth race. However, the crew of the half-tonner retired instead with their single discard, taking the pressure and retaining their position at the front of that fleet.

First gun tomorrow is at midday and forecasts indicate fresh to wild conditions.

The Irish Sailing Association is preparing to carry out the final stage of its national strategic plan.

Under the proposals, a board of directors is to be formed to cover training, racing, boating, promotion, finance and administration. Committees such as the racing rules group are to be replaced by a racing appeals tribunal.

Working parties will replace the committees and specified functions and time-limits will eliminate the possibility of empirebuilding.

The council is to be replaced by a policy review group that has to review the performance of the authority. No member may have any part of another ISA activity.

The elective procedure will be weighted towards smaller clubs to counter-balance the voting power of the major Dublin clubs and the Royal Cork YC, whose combined electoral power amounts to 50 per cent of the ISA membership.

An extraordinary general meeting of the ISA is planned for Saturday, November 21st.

Any sailor who is a member of an affiliated club or direct member of the ISA can attend.