SAILING: Just a few years ago, November marked the start of the off-season for Irish sailing. Laying-up suppers and planning for next year were and continue to be the norm around the coast thanks to short days and dark evenings.

But the days of brave smiles and shivers as a hardy few Frostbite sailors took to the water now appear consigned to history, as there has been a surge of interest in winter leagues over the last two years.

Credit for the trend must go to the Optimist class, which first began winter-training leading up to selection trials in the spring for the World and European championships each year. But while these sessions tend to cater for junior sailors, a new development has emerged in Dún Laoghaire where one club opened its doors to non-members' children to try out the sport.

Concerned that some children were feeling isolated at school, as their friends weren't able to participate, a trial scheme where 50 boats and equipment were made available was over-subscribed after the offer was made through one school.

The Royal St George YC is now a hive of winter activity as parents and children are fully involved with the training. Add in the huge following that the Dún Laoghaire Motor YC Frostbite Series draws each Sunday and the result is a level of activity that surpasses summer-time operations.

The National YC next door has also raised its winter programme, taking up the running from their Optimist class neighbours.

"We've had to cap our numbers at 77 sailors to stay within our rescue cover ratio," Colm Murray of the NYC said. "We could easily have catered for more as there is huge demand from our own members and from around the waterfront and as far away as Blessington."

Coping with the colder weather isn't the same as even just a few years ago, as most sailors now have dry-suits and thermal layer clothing.

"The heavier winter weather is also a real confidence booster, especially before the summer season starts," says Murray.

Further south, Cork is the latest venue to move beyond the traditional club junior sailing programme. An inter-school team racing competition has started recruiting crews in four schools, with impressive numbers signing up.

ISA instructor Heather Moriarty had suggested that her school form a sailing team as an experiment.

"We expected a turnout of perhaps 12 to show interest, but we were overwhelmed when more than 60 girls responded," said Scoil Mhuire principal Regina Moran. "It's a marvellous idea that creates links between schools and within the school as all ages are involved."

Thirteen-year-old Sarah Mansfield has brought an added edge to her squad thanks to a little arm-twisting on her triple Olympian dad Mark, who is lending a hand with some coaching sessions.

Four schools are taking part and the introduction to team racing will form a perfect introduction to this department of the sport that now has a massive following at third-level colleges around Ireland.