IRC Yearbook 2010

Irela
nd Israel S
outh Africa

Sw
ed
en USA
ISRAEL Ronnie Barmatz
S
ailing plays an important and and a noticeable increase in the number of
meaningful part of the leisure yachts participating, a signiﬁ cant change in
experience in Israel. With the establishment racing quality and style came about.
of the country 61 years ago, maritime Top level sailors, including world and
activity began, mostly in dinghies and European champions, began to show an
Olympic class boats, in sailing clubs interest in yachting competitions, which led
scattered along the beautiful coasts of the to a demand for an objective handicapping
country. In 1969, the ﬁ rst Israeli team won system that would be easy to use and would
the world championship in the 420, and depend on measurements taken by the
there have been many more racing yacht owners themselves. IRC was chosen
achievements in subsequent decades. as the foremost method in Israel.
Yachting began in earnest only when the The neighbouring countries of Turkey,
ﬁ rst marina – the Tel Aviv Marina, with 250 Greece and Cyprus use the same
berths – was built In 1970. Activities centred handicapping method, enabling Israelis to
mainly on cruising to the neighbouring take part in international competitions and
countries of Cyprus, Turkey and Greece. there have been Israeli achievements in
Yacht racing developed among sailors regattas such as the Odyssail 2004
with a background in Olympic sailing, who Champions (IMX-40), the Budrum Women’s
felt the need to race larger vessels. Races Cup Champions (Elan 33) and 3rd place in
were held with a limited number of boats the Rhodos Cup (Dufour 40), as well as the
and competitions were conducted under a participation of foreign yachts in Israeli
complicated system of handicapping similar races such as the Christmas Regattas.
to the Portsmouth system. Over time, an improved IRC system,
In recent years there has been an which included ofﬁ cial measurements and
acceleration in the construction of large and an IRC Endorsement, was adopted locally,
luxurious marinas along the coastline, ensuring a fairer and more exacting
among them the Herzliya Marina with 850 handicapping formula.
berths, Ashkelon Marina with 600 berths, Since the introduction of IRC to Israel,
Ashdod Marina with 600 berths and the the level and quality of yachts taking part in
Haifa Marina with 350 berths, with races has increased enormously, quality
additional marinas planned. sails paint the horizon in every competition
With the establishment of the Forum for and boat handling and seamanship have
the Advancement of Sailing, IYC, in Israel, increased noticeably.
elderly sailor put it: “The arms may be weak,
but I’m not going to stop sailing!”
The second longest race in the Royal
Ocean Racing Club calendar, the Round
Ireland Yacht Race, a 704-mile classic, has
been held every two years since 1980. The
next event starts in June 2010 from Wicklow
Sailing Club. A feature of this race is the
increasing entry from boats with Short
Handed IRC certiﬁ cates sailing two-up. This
class is expected to grow again this year.
One item on the Irish sailing agenda in
2010 is the completion of unﬁ nished business
in Cowes in August when the Rolex
Commodores’ Cup will be closely fought. In
the past few editions Irish teams have
performed well and plans are advanced for
the selection and preparation of teams.

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