A SERIES of nationwide seminars to explain the most fundamental changes to the racing rules for 50 years begins next week at locations across Ireland.
Top rules experts, including an international judge and umpire, will deliver eight seminars that hope, not only to give an outline of the implications of the rule changes, but are also designed to help delegates filter the new rules, which will be in force until the year 2001, throughout Ireland's yacht club network.
ISA speakers Norman Long, Billy Lacy, Tony O'Gorman and Ron Hutchieson are targeting eight venues and up to 400 sailors with a flip chart presentation that will focus on the ISAF's serious attempt to make sailing a "no contact" sport.
"More than anything else," says international judge Norman Long, the new rules are framed to ensure that "boats shall not hit other boats."
Following their attendance at the International Sailing Federation's rules seminar two weeks ago, Long and the seminar hosts have all the latest details gleaned from the Brighton conference, which attracted 140 race officials from 50 countries.
While the majority of next week's seminars will focus on part two of the rules which deals with the issue of when boats meet, Long believes discussion in this area may focus on the new restrictions imposed on right of way boats.
Despite the fact the ISAF claim the new rules are simpler and more readily understood, there are now even more than before. An additional 11 regulations bring the total count to 89 racing rules.
Commenting on the introduction of the new rules, Long said: "A huge amount of work has gone into this and while there will always need to be fine tuning, these changes are a big step in the right direction".
The 1997 rules are the biggest overhaul since the world's first sailing regulations came into effect in 1947. A new 1997 ISAF rule book with ISA prescriptions is being published by the ISA as part of the association's 1997 yearbook.
The three hour seminars begin at the Royal St George YC next Wednesday at 7p.m. Following Dun Laoghaire, the schedule is Waterford Harbour SC on Thursday, Royal Cork YC on Friday, Prince of Wales Hotel, Athlone on Saturday, Sligo YC on Sunday, the Royal Ulster at Bangor, Co Down, next Monday, Carrickfergus SC on Tuesday and Howth YC on Thursday. Further details from the ISA at 01 2800239.
Kilrush Creek Marina have announced that WIORA Week 1997, one of the biggest West coast regattas, will, for the first time, be based at the modern 120 berth marina complex. Competition for the 50 boat fleet will take place under the ECHO and CHS handicap systems on the lower Shannon Estuary.
The regatta, to be held from July 7th-11th, slots neatly in to the west coast calendar. Boats that finish the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race the preceding week can take advantage of a further week of competition.
Feeder races to Kilrush are also being organised. Full race details and entry forms will be available next month from the Kilrush Creek Marina stand at the Dublin Boat Show.
