The new plan

Irish Sailing Association announce new strategic plan for the development of sailing over the next four years

John O'Donoghue, Minister for the Arts, Sport and Tourism and John Crebbin, ISA President, have launched the Irish Sailing Association's (ISA) second Strategic Plan 2004 – 2008.

The newly unveiled strategic plan (2004-2008), has been developed in consultation with a wide group of stakeholders, including Sailing Clubs, Teaching Establishments, Class Associations, Race Managers, participants and special interest groups.

Over the course of the next five years the ISA aims to build on existing foundations to achieve an increased involvement in sailing and boating throughout Ireland, while expanding other horizons. ISA membership now numbers 22,000, up 6,000 since 1999.

The ISA is now an accredited Irish body to issue the 'international certificate of competency', which will be available next spring. The ISA Training Programmes have received the highly valued recognition by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, which will allow for International Certification of Irish recreational Sailors in 2004.

The Plan notes that the profile of Irish sailing has improved dramatically over the course of the first Strategic Plan (1998-2003).

Improved access to the sea and the growth in the number of sailing centres means that sailing and boating is no longer the preserve of the wealthy, but is becoming widely available. The emphasis on water safety is continually highlighted at all levels.
Irish Sailing has brought, and continues to bring, high profile and high value events to Ireland including the Flying Fifteen World Championship and the Dragon European Championship in 2003. Last summer the world witnessed teams from all corners of the globe proudly representing their countries at the Special Olympics Regatta hosted at Dun Laoghaire.

15 Irish Athletes, 7 of whom are ranked in the World top 20 in their discipline, are currently in training for the 2004 Olympics in Athens. The ISA has been selected by the Irish Sports Council as one of 5 sports to participate in the Athens Enhancement Programme resulting in a support infrastructure that compares with the best in the world.

Commenting on the achievements to date and future progression, ISA President John Crebbin stated: "The ISA launched its first strategic plan in 1999. Since then, there has been considerable growth in participation at all levels, ISA membership rising by 6,000 to 22,000 members. Eight new Category One Clubs have also joined, while 12 new teaching establishments have affiliated - providing over 120 access points for people to get afloat. This growth stems in no small part from the relentless effort of numerous individuals within the Sailing community and with the positive support of the Sports Council the second Strategic Plan will increase participation even further. We are now introducing annual operational procedures which can be professionally administered by ISA staff. This Plan is not set in stone, it will be evaluated on a rolling basis."

The second strategic plan (2004-2008), aims over the course of the next five years to achieve positive results through:

1. Strengthening club networks and recognised teaching establishments,
2. Delivering World Class Training Schemes
3. Further developing recreational boating and non-competitive sailing
4. Supporting and promoting the development and implementation of excellent racing at a national level
5. Raising awareness of the ISA and its activities
6. Widening sources of ISA revenues
7. Delivering excellent services and administration
8. Promoting an ethos of safe and responsible participation in all ISA activities.

Speaking about sailing in Ireland Pat O'Neill, Chairman of the Sports Council stated that: "The Irish Sailing Association is one of our most progressive sports organisations"