UKLA Chair blog #19
International events – something for you?
At this time of year many of you are considering racing your ILCA internationally next season, so it may be a good time to reflect on this. I fully appreciate though that this is not for everyone as it is expensive and time consuming but last year over 100 GBR sailors raced outside the UK so there is considerable interest.
The great thing about the ILCA is the number of international events across the age groups and rigs. There are European and World Youth Championships in the ILCA4 and ILCA6 as well as U21 Championships for the ILCA6 and ILCA7. There are also European and World Masters for ILCA6 and ILCA7 with age categories from 30 to over 75. And of course, there is the ultra-competitive Senior circuit featuring the Olympic contenders with Europeans and Worlds but also the classic top grade early summer events in Hyeres, on the Ijsselmeer in Holland and Kiel Week. In Europe there is a Euro Masters series and the iconic Europa cup events. You will find events in most countries and in all regions around the World.
The standard at these events varies a lot. Masters events are accessible to any experienced club sailor and many are seeing the physical and mental health benefits of sailing well into what used to be called the “retirement” years. Youth championships attract huge numbers but also a massive range in standards. Of course, the world’s best youth sailors are competing but any sailors regularly competing in the UKLA Youth Series will be perfectly comfortable at these events.
International events are a superb experience if you are lucky enough to be able to do one. For younger sailors, while it develops racing experience and skills, more importantly it can help build resilience and independence. In UK most parents bring their children (or team up with other parents), but this is far from common in other countries and commercial organisations such us Sailcoach that provide the opportunity to do it independently of parents.
Unlike other classes, for youth events there is seldom a selection needed as the UK gets lots of places and the same for Masters events. The process for Europeans and Worlds is straightforward, as you apply for entry on the international class websites (ILCA International for Worlds and EurILCA for Europeans). After the deadline for entry closes, the UKLA checks all entries made under GBR for eligibility (e.g. membership status, whether the sailor has raced in at least one UKLA qualifying event). In the unlikely event that the number of GBR entries is greater than the number of places, the UKLA ranking list will be used – for youth events this has not happened for years. Please note that this is a summary on which you should not rely and you should check the UKLA website for the formal process. You will need to decide on whether to bring your own boat or charter one (there are several companies that do this). It is normally best to have coached regatta support and UKLA now offers this in partnership with the Andrew Simpson Performance Academy (and again other commercial options are available). Finally, a WhatsApp group is set-up for each event to help with communication.
All the best
Mark
Check our UKLA website and calendar of events