RYA statement on future Olympic and Youth multihull classes

The RYA is aware of the strength of feeling from UK-based multihull sailors, surrounding submissions from the RYA to the 2007 ISAF Conference, due to take place in early November, which relate to the future status of multihull events in both Youth and Olympic Classes programmes.

First and foremost, RYA firmly believes that catamaran racing is a vital and vibrant part of the sport of sailing in the UK and recognises the work carried out by the Catamaran Class Associations in generating and supporting activity.

Decisions on the future direction of the global sport of sailing remain the responsibility of the International Sailing Federation. However, difficult decisions have to be taken from time to time because of the expense of running competitions in a multitude of classes and restrictions placed on the sport by the IOC.

It’s regrettable that certain parties feel the consultation process on this issue was lacking. Within the RYA the decision making process was consistent with our normal practice; there was no attempt to hide the policies. These issues were discussed by specialist [non-executive] groups, who then had their views commented on by the RYA Racing Committee. After this the ISAF proposals were then submitted to the RYA Council who are the final arbiters in the UK.

As a consequence of the attention that these two proposals have received from the Cat community in the UK and overseas, the RYA Council will debate the issues and review its decision at their next meeting which is scheduled for Wednesday 3 October. Council members will be provided with a selection of representative emails, letters and web forum addresses as well as this paper.

Representatives of the RYA are planning to meet Rob White and Brian Phipps on Monday 8 October in the late afternoon/early evening, venue TBC but probably London. Should representatives of the UK umbrella catamaran organisations and the Hobie and SL16 classes wish to attend could they email