The spectre of cancellation for two World championships and one European championship to be held in Irish waters this summer looms large in the wake of Thursday's foot-and-mouth confirmation.
Although the first event, the Olympic 470 European Championship is not until July, there are international transport decisions surrounding all three events that both the international competitors and Irish hosts need to make within the next few weeks.
Later in July, the £200,000 staging of the Olympic Laser World Championship at the Royal Cork Yacht Club - which will have an entry list of close to 100 nations - is also faced with logistical problems within the three-month build-up period to the event.
It is the first Olympic class to ever hold its World Championship in the Republic of Ireland. If it did not proceed this year there are fears that it could be years before Ireland was in a position to again stage the event with worldwide competition so intense to host Olympic class championships.
On the east coast, Howth do not host the Mirror World Championships until August, but already there have been international enquiries as to the suitability of Ireland as a venue. "We are monitoring this closely, there is no doubt that the outlook is worrying," Howth's rear commodore Derek Bothwell said.
Irish Sailing Association president Paddy Maguire warned yesterday of the seriousness that the FMD crisis posed for Irish sailing: "We are seeking advice from government in the light of the latest events and specifically what the implications are for the three major international events." Meanwhile, the Irish Sailing Association's decision to stage its a.g.m. in Tralee on Saturday week, March 31st, is now also under review.
Not affected by the crisis is next week's Flying Fifteen World Championships in Durban, South Africa with a team of five Irish boats, two from Belfast Lough and three from Dun Laoghaire, among a fleet of 70 contesting the biennial trophy.
The Howth 17-foot class were awarded "Club of the Year 2000" by sponsors Mitsubishi Motors at a reception in its home port on Tuesday evening.
In Northern Ireland, a joint initiative by 18 yacht clubs to promote sailors to visit the natural beauty of Co Down has been highlighted in a new publication that guides sailors to marinas, anchorages and harbours within the coastal region.
To obtain a copy of the guide call The Kingdoms of Down on: 028 9182 2881
