Sailing ColumnAfter a month of big-boat headlines from Cowes to Crosshaven, with Wicklow in between, the season shifts gear this weekend as Sligo Yacht Club play host to the Fáilte Ireland GP14 World Championships.
While declining dinghy numbers are causing concern nationally, this classic Jack Holt-design is now in its 57th year and has maintained a popular following among club sailors to the extent of more than 13,000 issued sail numbers.
This strength is reflected in a combined fleet of 107 entries to date, likely to rise by another 10 crews as the usual late entries are made before tomorrow afternoon's opening ceremony.
Early forecasts for the weekend suggest an end to the light winds that have dominated the racing season, and there are concerns tomorrow and Sunday mornings' practice may be affected by strong winds.
The first of 11 races will be sailed on Sunday afternoon and a pre-qualifying series is sailed until Tuesday evening.
After that, Gold, Silver and Bronze divisions will split the fleet for the final five races with the winner decided on Friday evening.
Apart from at least 15 local boats, crews have entered from Britain, France, Germany, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the US.
The event will be the first major test for Sligo YC's new €1.7-million clubhouse, just recently completed.
Lotto, Leader grants and club borrowing, along with €250,000 raised from the membership, have funded a modern clubhouse that also features an extended slipway.
Crucially, club officials are hoping a world championship together with the new facilities demonstrates Sligo's commitment to boating in the region and that the much-needed marina project that stalled recently can be revived.
Optimism is high and the new building already includes a marina manager's office in anticipation.
Meanwhile, on the east coast, the home-grown Ruffian 23-footers begin their three-day national championship at the Royal St George YC, with the first race this afternoon.
