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ISA Conference will address topics from increasing participation in adult training to developing sailing/media relations, and the finer points of race management.

'The Council is delighted to see the continued growth and development of Irish sailing,' explained TREACY. 'Sailing has a strong presence in our Olympic sports but Irish sailors also achieve world-class status outside that field. However it is the grass roots participation we will focus on this weekend. Without the volunteers from around the country working to build the sport week on week, participation in sailing would be so much leaner.'

With a membership of over 23,000 and 13,000 participating annually in ISA certified training courses there are many ways for individuals to sail either at the high end or as a newcomer to the sport.

Hopes For The Future

With the challenge of the two-handed non-stop Barcelona World Race (on board Paprec Virbac) ahead of him, FOXALL, one of Ireland's top professional sailors, outlined his hopes for the future.

'Irish sailing is up there with the best internationally and a professional career can exist for our youth but how they get started depends on their first introduction to sailing. The ISA helps to ensure the structure is in place to support their initial experience.'

On Sunday, FOXALL will give a presentation about the Barcelona World Race and will also give an insight into his future plans.

Delegates from sailing clubs and training centres around the county will participate in this inaugural conference where the social side of sailing will not be neglected as the Awards Dinner will take place on Saturday evening.

'We are particularly delighted to use this occasion to acknowledge Carmel WINKELMANN, the recipient of the 2006 ISA Volunteer of the Year Award,' explained Robert DIX, ISA President. 'Without volunteers sailing would not be where it is today.'