The foot-and-mouth crisis has raised questions over the viability of this summer's programme, as organisers around the coast seek to balance commitments to the sport and national duty.

Although some commentators have expressed surprise that a water-based - mostly ocean-based - activity would be affected, the uncertain nature of the virus has caused concern as organisers grapple with appropriate measures.

With more than 20 individual classes active in Ireland, plus dozens of clubs in all areas, many events draw competitors from all parts of Ireland and further afield, most notably from Britain.

Clearly, a balanced approach of risk assessment and appropriate preventative measures is required by events before taking significant decisions.

A degree of relief can be taken from the confirmation given to the Irish Sailing Association that sailing is indeed in the lowest risk category with appropriate measures recommended on the link to the Government website via www.sailing.ie. According to the ISA, contact with the major international event organisers is continuing and under the present circumstances there is no reason that these should not take place.

Before the easing of restrictions two weeks ago, the Irish leisure marine industry became a significant casualty of the crisis when the biennial Dublin Boat Show was postponed for 12 months by the Irish Marine Federation, at an estimated cost of £25 million.

However, in keeping with the practice of other sports and activities affected by the precautions, competitors travelling from specific infected areas should be refused. Similarly, some tough decisions face Irish sailors planning to travel to events within the coming weeks.

First up, for keelboats and 1720 Sportsboats, is the annual Scottish series on the Clyde. This annual shake-down series almost has pilgrimage status for many veterans and regularly sees Irish boats taking the top prizes in several classes.

For east coast of Ireland boats, this is a scene-setter for the Dublin regatta season that turns out hundreds of, in the main, local crews and must be considered low-risk because of the urban shore-side locations at Howth and Dun Laoghaire. Similarly, the biennial Sovereign's Cup series at the end of June is a draw for south-coast crews and with the entry full at the already stated level of 100 boats, this too would appear safe.