#ISORA - More than half of respondents to the recent Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association (ISORA) fleet survey consider themselves regular offshore racers.
The online questionnaire, as previously reported on Afloat.ie, aimed to determine whether ISORA is 'providing the racing that will inspire and excite existing and future sailors', as well as solicit suggestions for possible changes and improvements.
In terms of activity, the survey was good news for ISORA chiefs.
Of the 115 completed responses, 53% considered themselves to be regular offshore racers and 30% to be regular coastal racers.
Indeed, more than three-quarters - 77% of the total - claimed to have raced in 2016.
Some 40% of responses came from self-professed owner/skippers, while 57% were crew. Almost two-thirds of respondents have been taking part in ISORA races for between one and five years, while 16% have been racing with ISORA for 10 years or more.
However, ISORA was disappointed to find that only 2% of responses came from shore crew or supporters, indicating room to grow those aspects of the association's running of events.
"it is apparent from the results that more work is required to bring crews and skippers together," the survey report states.
The survey confirmed Dun Laoghaire's dominance as the hub for the ISORA fleet, with 89% confirming that the port is accessible for boats and crews, and 86% satisfied or very satisfied with the social and racing aspects of the port.
A clear coastal axis from Howth to Greystones was revealed, as well as an east-west axis to Holyhead (66% for accessibility and 48% for social and sailing) and Pwllheli (46% and 53% respectively). Douglas on the Isle of Man scored 29% for accessibility and 50% for social.
ISORA also identified that boats based to the north of the east-west axis wish to race further north, while those to the south of the axis wish to race further south.
Responses from those who have stopped racing or competing regularly with ISORA were low, but added to an emerging pattern of changing work or family circumstances, as well as a lack of challenge from the race schedule in some cases.
Still, most replies cites the 'camaraderie, challenge and fun' as their biggest 'likes' of their experience with the association.
The full survey report is available to download below.
