Moving from the Regatta Fleet to Main Fleet.

The question of when to move sailors from regatta fleet to main fleet has often been discussed.  IODAI firmly believes that this decision is one for the parents and sailors to make based on advice from various sources and without any specific criteria laid down by IODAI. 

With the restructuring of the Regatta Fleet (coaching fleet) in 2010, a move to the Junior fleet, should be considered, where a sailor is ready for and wishes to gain more racing experience.

Factors to consider are:

·         Courses are usually longer and more challenging in the main fleet.

·         Race courses can be located in more exposed areas than Regatta Fleet courses which are usually in more sheltered conditions.

·         Sailors need to be prepared to remain on the water until all races are finished sometimes for a prolonged period of time (up to 6-7 hours).  This will require personal stamina, food arrangements, proper clothing and other preparation necessitated by a long period on the water.

·         Large fleet racing experience will be gained.

·         Sailors should be capable of sailing in medium to heavy airs.

·         No IODAI coaching is provided however rescue support is always to hand.

·         A prolonged period of time spent in the Regatta Fleet can hinder a sailor’s progress. In general where a sailor is sailing towards the top of the regatta fleet in 2 or more events a move to main fleet should be considered.

·         No ranking system is in operation in the Regatta Fleet

·         Sailors wishing to qualify[fc1]  for teams, squads, invitations to Braassemermeer or the trials, must make a move to main fleet. Rankings are based on main fleet performances’ at all IODAI ranking events.  Sailors must sail in a minimum of 2 Regional’s and the National Championships at main fleet level to qualify for a ranking.  See IODAI website article entitled “How do I get a ranking?” http://www.iodai.com/live/672.html

The main Fleet is IODAI’s racing fleet whereas the Regatta fleet is a coaching fleet.

Disadvantages of moving to the main fleet too early are:

·         Some events may be too windy and sailors may have to make the decision to stay ashore.

·         In such circumstances a sailors participation in the Regatta Fleet will only be considered where the coach to sailor ratio can be maintained at 1:6 and is at the discretion of the IODAI Regatta Fleet coordinator.

·         Where a main fleet division e.g. Junior Silver is stood down by the Race Committee, sailors may NOT opt to return to the Regatta Fleet.

For further information on the Regatta Fleet please see

IODAI’s Regatta Fleet position statement 2010

Sources of advice could be other parents, ex-oppi sailors, club coach or IODAI Regatta fleet coach and/or IODAI Regatta Fleet Co-ordinator.