We have a great race schedule for 2019 that combines with many top class regattas. Details can be found on the ISORA website.
The series starts with the Viking Marine Coastal Races in Ireland and the Global Display Coastal Race in Wales, followed by the first Offshore race from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead where a warm welcome is awaiting us.
We have again this year teamed up with other races in the Irish Sea and arranged the racing so that deliveries are mimnimised. This includes the Dun Laoghaire to Dinglr Race and the Liverpool to Douglas Midnight Race.
The Royal Dee Yacht Club, in conjunction with ISORA are running the RDYC Irish Sea Offshore Championship again this year as part of the VDLR.
The offshore race from Dun Laoghaire to Pwllheli on the 5th August is a feeder race to the Spinlock Welsh IRC Nationals. The IRC Welsh National Championships at Pwllheli 9 - 11th August 2019 is planned to be bigger and better than last year! Racing for IRC Fleets as previously with windward/leeward courses plus a coastal race; and two new fleets, sports boats racing around the PSC Club marks, and a cruiser class with one race per day around various marks in Tremadog bay. Something for everyone with a warm welcome and great socials and fun ashore.
While good and challenging racing is a must for offshore and coastal races, the social side of ISORA is equally important. It is the social side of the races that binds the fleet together and allow crew to share experiences. Whenever possible, a social reception will be arranged either the night before or after each race. Courses will be selected that, where possible, will allow all boats taking part in any race to be able to partake in any post-race reception.
With the increasing exposure in the media of offshore racing, we are getting many requests from potential crew to take part in ISORA. It is important that we encourage as many people to take part and to have as many crew available for any race. Lack of crew is the most common cause of boats not taking part in a race.
Although ISORA is totally voluntary and all entry fees go towards prizes, additional funds are now needed to run the ISORA YB trackers and promote the important social side of ISORA. While many of our sponsors from last year are continuing to sponsor ISORA, we need new sponsors for 2019. If you would be interested in sponsoring an ISORA race, please contact me.
We are greatful for Viking Marine who are sponsor for the Irish Coastal Series and Global Display Ltd who are the sponsor of the Welsh /UK coastal Series. The full list of sponsors for 2019 will be published before the first race.
Stephen Tudor
Hon. Sec ISORA
