AGENDA 

Registration and coffee 10.15  

2. Review of National Cruiser Championships 2007 and preview of 2008 Championships:The 2008 championships will be hosted by Howth Yach Club from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th May.The Notice of Race will be published and available for discussion at the conference.

3. Membership of ICRA and management committee.   

4. Annual Conference – 2008:  Date, Venue, Format.  

5. The management and development of cruiser racing organization in all its aspects:
i.What, if anything, is hindering the progress of cruiser racing – is it as good as it can be?                                               
ii.On what basis should classes be divided – handicap and/or other criteria – what is the ideal spread - who decides?                                             
iii.Are existing class divisions hindering the development of cruiser racing?                                              
iv.What is IRC restricted – how is it to fit in with ‘open’ class/es?                                                
v.Should there be an IRC restricted class in the National Championships?                                              
vi.What is the place of ISAF Group 3 sailors [professionals] in Irish cruiser racing?                                            
vii.What are the best parameters for ‘‘Whitesail’ racing – white or black or black or white - poles or no poles?                                          
viii.Is cruiser racing race management all it’s cracked up to be? 

BREAK FOR LUNCH:  13.00 –14.00

SECOND SESSION

14.00 to 16.30

 6. Commodores Cup 2008 Report - Fintan Cairns:Team formation and selection,
NEW OFFSHORE FEEDER RACE from Cork to Howth on the weekend before the Nationals [9, 10, 11 May, 2008] It is expected that all RCC boats will take part in this race.¨      Sponsorship and support from ICRA, Liaison with RORC. 

Guest speakers: 
7. Presentation by Mark Mills: Current Designs from Club Racing to the Rolex Commodore’s Cup       

10 MIN BREAK 

8. Presentation by David Brannigan:  Professional Yacht Racing in Photographs. 

9. ICRA ‘BOAT OF THE YEAR’ AWARD – NOMINEES:
    Cavatina – Royal Cork Yacht Club
    Chieftain – Western Yacht Club
    Jump Juice – Royal Cork Yacht Club
    Marinerscove – Royal Cork Yacht Club
    Rosie – Howth Yacht Club 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CONFERENCE IS OPEN TO ALL CRUISER SAILORS SO     PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT IT