IRM Programme of events for 2003

A full programme of racing for the flourishing IRM class has now been confirmed for the 2003 season which now promises to be both varied and comprehensive.

Once again Inshore and Offshore Series will span a full season, from April to October. The class will have a stand-alone UK National Championships on the Solent in May and for the first time Skandia Life Cowes Week will offer separate starts and courses for the IRM Class for three days of intensive racing.

"We are tremendously excited by the prospect of next season's calendar." says the IRM Class Association Chair, Steph Merry. "Not only is there something for everyone, but it is set up in such a way that owners can either enjoy a full season of racing from early spring to late autumn, or can simply pick and choose key events and still be eligible for series prizes. With a bona fide UK Championship and Cowes Week we have a level of activity which should merit the investment in building or buying IRM style boats for 2003 and the future."

The UK National Championships will be run by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in association with the RORC over the holiday weekend 24th-26th May, enjoying the use of their extensive facilities as a base. The weigh-in and registration will take place early on the Saturday followed by two races. Sunday will see three further races and another two on the Monday. The class AGM will take place on the Saturday afternoon with a dinner planned for the evening and a barbecue evening on the Sunday. The class are hopeful of attracting an event sponsor for the regatta.

A major step forward for IRM is Skandia Life Cowes Week agreeing to run a separate class and three days of windward-leeward races under IRM handicap on their own course area. This will take place on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Cowes Week which will still allow IRM owners the opportunity to contest some of the bigger showcase trophy races under IRC later in the week.

The Inshore Series will score the best four of six regattas and the Offshore Series - scoring the best four from seven races - will include high scoring opportunities like the Rolex Fastnet Race and the RORC Cowes to St Malo Race. Dinard hosts an IRM regatta weekend 6-8 July, fed by the St Malo race, and there is a chance to leave boats in the west country after the end of the Fastnet and compete at the Torbay Admirals Cup regatta which takes place ten days after the finish of the offshore racing classic.

The full 2003 programme is on the class association web site: www.irmclass.com . Further details on all aspects of IRM class racing are available from secretary@irmclass.fsnet.co.uk