SAILING: As the IMF Boat Show continues at the RDS Simmonscourt Pavillion this weekend, the relationship between power and sail is brought to the fore and is immediately apparent on a tour of the show. And the growth of coastal facilities is mirrored by a corresponding increase into motor-boating numbers in this country.

For decades, "leisure marine activity" was dominated by sailing boats varying in size from dinghies to cruisers, with a few notable exceptions around the coast where a rare specimen of a mechanically-powered boat could sometimes be spotted.

Gradually, as marina facilities provided the access alternative to sailing clubs whose sole activity was sailing, motor-boating increased its representation on Irish waters.

For many, the similarity between the steering wheel of a car and that of motor-boats is the reassurance that finalises the decision to take to the open water on a floating craft. After all, it's simple - right? Just turn the wheel to wherever you want to go, push forward the throttle for speed and soon you'll have the knack not to bump into anything too often.

However, most sailing purists believe in wind power with the engine's role auxiliary. The small discomforts such as heeling or peculiar sailing motions or the lack of speed are compensated for by the sense of adventure or accomplishment.

At this year's Boat Show, organisers faced considerable pressure to allow more powerboat-related exhibitors than space would allow. Early on, it was decided a balance between the two factions of boating was essential. The experience of the Belfast show, where just one "trailer-sailer" was swamped by motor-boats, disappointed visitors and trade alike.

Moreover, the survival of sailing against the pressure of convenient boating that power offers is regarded as critical by the Irish Marine Federation. It is estimated 25 per cent of newcomers to boating who start out in power eventually switch to sail. The reasons vary, according to Hugh Mockler of HM Yachts in Cork.

"It often depends on family situations where a young family are better suited to a motor-boat until the children become older and the parents decide they have a crew for a sailing boat."

Other reasons are often because motor-boating presents less of a challenge after a few years and the owner is more comfortable afloat.

Across the industry in Ireland, boat agents are providing training options as part of new boat packages or are directing newcomers to ISA-recognised teaching establishments to learn through courses such as day or coastal skipper certificates.

The path of introducing people safely to boating through power, with the option to switch to sail later on, seems to secure the relationship of the modern and traditional.