Solent

I cannot answer all of Grahams questions but I can offer some insight as an outside observer. For a number of years elements within IRSA have been pushing both the Marbleheads and the Ten Raters to form their own International Class Associations. My understanding there have been 2 arguments for this on the basis that any class which cannot do so does not deserve 'International' status and that IRSA should not be administering these classes just overseeing them and ensuring 'standards' are met. There have been skipper and interested parties meetings at the last few World Championships with a view to progressing this through a volunteer/nominated working party/executive. I was present at Garda when this was attempted but the working party formed collapsed. A later meeting was successful. The foundation executives initial role was to drawer up a constitution. Get the association registered as a charitable organisation and resolve its status with IRSA (now Associate members of IRSA see news item on IRSA website). (The latter involved negotiations with regards to a startup grant. I understand based on the profits from the last few World Championships paid to IRSA.) The two Associations formed are registered in Switzerland and the detail of their constitution, initial foundation executives, and foundation member NCA's are listed on these websites at http://www.tenrater.org/ and http://www.marbleheadclass.org. Note:(these websites have not been updated since May so do not reflect the fact that Phil Holliday resigned some time ago from his roles with IRSA, ITCA and IMCA and has had no part in the recent decisions of the remaining foundation executive.) The question that remains to be answered is if the International Class Association is to carry out all the administration of the class in respect of Technical matters and class rules as well as finding places to hold and run continental and World Championships. What does IRSA do for them? It controls approval of their decisions in respect of class rule changes and and in particular when and where they can hold championships 'represents' them at World Sailing and takes a large cut of the proceeds of any championship it approves. It should also be noted that the International Class Associations are, as with IRSA, not individual 'owner/certified owner' membership organisations. The membership of these organisations is NCA's who have the votes. In the case of the UK the NCA is the MYA. The MYA however has for a number of years now had a similar policy as IRSA that classes should take more responsibility for their own organisation with a view to those that wish to eventually having a sufficiently robust organisation to become NCA's. Hence the foundation COG frameworks and the progress to each class taking as much responsibility as it feels able to start this process and the MYA seeking views before responding to the latest communication from the ICA's. p.s there are now more entries for the Ten Nationals and still a week to go before entries close.

There is another option being trialled at Emsworth. A match racing ladder run like a squash ladder. Challenge anyone up to 5 places above you. Only ever 2 sailors at any one time in prearranged slots. (i.e. OK with social distancing and Covid-19 rules) Best of 5 to decide. Winner to take higher place and looser to take lower place. Failure to accept challenge in a reasonable time places swopped by default. I believe there are 14 takers for the IOM ladder and 16 for the RG65 ladder. A small start from those not still confined by shielding or extra vulnerable requirements. Suitable control and launching areas and social distancing are relatively easy to organise.

for Information http://www.marbleheadclass.org https://www.facebook.com/marbleheadsailing/ A Foundation Executive has been formed to steer the formation of the new IMCA international association, which is currently a class association within the International Radio Sailing Association (IRSA). This is a positive step forward for the Marblehead Class in that it will be able to more specifically focus on the needs and promotion of the Marblehead Class throughout the world. The Foundation Executive is a group of experienced competitors and administrators in the Radio Controlled sport and will be remaining in place only through 2020 to start it all up and then will call for a General Assembly with executive elections where the Members will take responsibility. The formation of the IMCA will in no way alter or change the process of the coming 2020 WC.

http://www.tenrater.org https://www.facebook.com/tenrater/ For Information A Foundation Executive has been formed to steer the formation of the new ITCA international association, which is currently a class association within the International Radio Sailing Association (IRSA). This is a positive step forward for the Ten Rater Class in that it will be able to more specifically focus on the needs and promotion of the Ten Rater Class throughout the world. The Foundation Executive is a group of experienced competitors and administrators in the Radio Controlled sport and will be remaining in place only through 2020 to start it all up and then will call for a General Assembly with executive elections where the Members will take responsibility. The formation of the ITCA will in no way alter or change the process of the coming 2020 WC.