The ISA has a strategic objective of supporting the efforts of Irish yacht and sailing clubs in bringing world class sailing events to this country. Securing the Admiral's Cup for the Royal St George and Dun Laoghaire was a fantastic achievement for Irish sailing and one that would enhance our sailing development programme. The Royal St George Yacht Club is to be congratulated for agreeing to act as host and rising to the challenge of boosting what had become a poorly supported event. We know that under the guidance of the Royal St George and Irish sailing the Admirals Cup would have returned to being an event of international success with the added special attraction that Ireland can offer.

The support of the sponsors, public and private was to hand. All the key organisations had offered their support. The officers, members and staff of the Royal St George were totally committed to ensuring the success of the event. Considerable hard work by a dedicated team has already gone into the preparation and we are convinced that a world class event would have been the result.

Ireland has a renowned reputation as a first class venue for sailing events. Top level events in recent years include the J24 Europeans, 470 Europeans, the ISAF Team Racing World Championship, Dragon Gold Cup, Laser Worlds. The Royal St George is also the chosen venue for the 2003 Special Olympics World Games Sailing Programme. Additionally one of the world's biggest regattas, FORD Cork Week has a deserved international reputation for excellence. It is regrettable that this extensive expertise and attraction will now be denied to the participants in the Admiral's Cup.