In a class of its own

It wasn't too long ago that this column was making grand predictions about the future of certain sectors of Irish sailing. The advent of the Sportsboat, pressure on available leisure time, an explosion of opportunities from new sports and pursuits competing for that time would all contribute to the ultimate demise of big racing yachts in this country. Or so it seemed.

However, now that some direction has returned to the marketplace at international level, a fleet of new boats is to arrive for this season, principally on Dublin Bay but also at other major venues.

Stability in technical rating seems to be restoring confidence thanks in part to the evolution of the IRC and IRM systems.

This latest trend seems certain to reverse the decline of what, for many, has been referred to as "Class Zero". The evolution of this fleet began in the early 1990s when an increasing number of boats around the 40-foot length began competing in the handicapped "Cruiser" classes around the Irish Sea.

As these faster and more high-tech craft started soaking up the major trophies in Class One, pressure grew to establish a stand-alone division for these boats. At the bigger regattas and leagues, entries were at times up to 20 and, with all the trappings of semi-professionalism, Class Zero soon became the glamour fleet and a spring-board to bigger and better things internationally.

But the soaring costs and poor resale values coupled with rating and handicapping uncertainties dampened enthusiasm and split the market into a variety of differing classes and options. The arrival of the 1720 in Ireland came at an opportune time and many leading owners and top crews switched to the drama and economic benefits of this Irish built one-design.

As is traditional at this time of year, rumours about new boats abound but 2000 is different with confirmed boats. At least three Beneteau 40.7-footers - two in Dublin and one in Cork - will be sailing in the new season. This production cruiser/racer has been successful at many of the major events from the Mediterranean to Australia since last summer and will certainly prove a match for existing class champions.

Colm Barrington's Velvet Glove is for sale and may yet be staying in Irish waters for Class One. His new boat will see the Dun Laoghaire yachtsman return to Class Zero where he is certain to give and receive some great racing. This John Corby-designed 38-footer is nearing completion and will feature a carbon rig; if 3DL sail technology is added it will certainly be one of the highest rated boats in the region.

Among the challengers will be Cormac Twomey and his team from Sarah J, a regular top three finisher in Class Zero. His new boat is a four-year-old Ed Dubois designed, Corby-built 38-footer Victrix IV that holds a fine racing record. Together with the incumbent Howth champion, Roy Dickson's Cracklin' Rosie, these three boats should top the line-up in class zero while the, as yet, unproven 40.7s and their crews remain a force to be reckoned.

Wind like a "cat's paw" and chaos among spectator boats helped ensure the first finals victory in Auckland yesterday for AmericaOne over Italy's Luna Rossa in the Americas Cup challenger finals - squaring the best of nine races at one-all.

Within the race there was an astonishing change of fortunes when Italian skipper Francesco de Angelis lost the start but went to the top mark with a hefty one minute 49 second lead over AmericaOne's Paul Cayard.