SAILING:COUNTING DOWN to next season has already started in earnest for the crews who hope to form the backbone of Ireland's next challenge on the Commodore's Cup in Cowes.

The event has switched to a mid-August date from June to reflect its widely-held status as the pinnacle of the season for semi-professional sailors.

In spite of the recession, hopes are strong that two three-boat teams will once again return to the Solent for the biennial contest which is increasing its global appeal. Victory has narrowly evaded Irish hands on four consecutive occasions.

Such has been the effort of recent campaigns, Irish Cruiser Racer Association officials are highly secretive about the latest efforts to win the cup; playing the bridesmaid has become tedious.

Secrecy aside, its still too early to reveal precise details about the likely line-up, according to Cork's Anthony O'Leary, whose record in the last two events is certain to leave him in a strong-position after the selection trials next year.

Previously, the mantle of de facto team captain was held by Colm Barrington, whose stable of "Gloves" campaigns secured almost every major trophy at this level bar the Commodore's Cup.

"We enjoyed the 2006 and 2008 regattas immensely," said O'Leary, who was second in class on his first outing and won it last year.

The likely inclusion of Norway and Sweden in 2010 for the first time as well as American entries are certain only to raise the standard.

"In my view, if you get the right side of 15 teams the event takes on a momentum of its own."

If successful at the trials, Ireland's teams will be building steadily towards the season. Winter training will be based around a small fleet of 1720 Sportsboats launched recently that will be used as much for the fun side of sailing as for team-racing practice.

Closer to the 2010 season, the revised format will allow a steady build-up from early spring in what O'Leary hopes will place fewer demands on the largely amateur crews that perform to professional standards.

As Rear-Commodore of the organising Royal Ocean Racing Club, O'Leary was influential in the change of dates.

The build-up will include a spring series on the south coast of England, followed by the indicator Red Funnel Regatta at Cowes. The Irish and British IRC National Championships follow in May and June, while Cork Week in July is likely to receive a boost from the lead-in to the Commodore's Cup the following month.

"The events are well spread apart, which should make it easier on the crews that are mostly amateur," O'Leary told The Irish Times. "Previously, under the old cup format, the pinnacle of the season was over by the beginning of July.

"We've been second twice and our goal is to beat that record - there is nothing after second place."