It was IOM Sunday and the big focus was on Team GBR training – we had four of the GBR guys out thrashing the reservoir in A rig slightly lumpy conditions. Terrifically impressive and they did both morning and afternoon.
The atmosphere, as ever at Datchet, was friendly and supportive – and I learned a fair amount watching the boat setup. We had two Proteus, a Britpop and a Viss. Extremely interesting.
Expecting these intense training sessions to continue from now until the Worlds are won.
In the last few days, we have been musing on IOM Worlds Sponsorship. We know from UK’s MYA that their number of members is 2,250 …. but for Livestream TV to a Global Audience, how many skippers are “out there”? NB decided to ask AI …… and this is what it said…..
Here are the key indicators we do have:
Using these indicators, we can build a reasoned estimate.
Most countries with active IRSA membership have hundreds of sailors; the largest have thousands.
A conservative model:
| Region | Estimated sailors | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | 8,000–10,000 | Many active IRSA nations; UK alone has 2,000+ |
| North America | 2,000–3,000 | US + Canada |
| Asia | 1,500–2,500 | Japan, China, Singapore, HK, etc. |
| Oceania | 1,500–2,000 | Australia + NZ |
| South America | 800–1,200 | Brazil, Argentina, Chile |
| Africa | 200–400 | South Africa mainly |
This aligns with class registration patterns, national membership numbers, and IRSA event participation.
If you have nay “real data” we can think about, please send your thoughts to the the email address on our “Contact” page of this website.
Well, seven of us were there today – three of us with our hands either thrust deep into our Rooster Robes … or hugging hot mugs of tea!! Gosh it was cold !! Around zero!!
The light was crystal clear and the sky a magical blue. The lake looked amazing and is full to the top.
We had three Proteus and a Viss…. all looking good. One Proteus (very smart) was wearing great looking Red Ant sails which I’d not seen before. We also had a chance to inspect the new mid-ship section print of the Proteus – very clever stuff going on there.
Four of us had Rooster Robes on – like Club uniform 🙂 Rooster will be at the Worlds – I wonder of we can get Rooster to print them with the IOM Worlds logo when the Championships are on…. must ask.
It was scheduled to be a Marblehead Sunday, but the Team GBR chaps won the vote to switch to IOM training instead. Lots of short order racing – brilliant to watch and very close!! We paused for lunch but the top guys went out on the south course for more afternoon training. As the weather warms up, we are expecting more Team GBR skippers to join in.
Datchet Radio Sailing - Making It All Much Easier !! 