Dear colleagues,

The IOMICA Events Committee (EC) has received a total of three 3 bids from 2 two National Class Associations (NCAs). One bid from Portugal, and two independent bids from Italy to host the 2020 European Championship.

On receipt of the bids the EC challenged the NCA of ITA as to why two signed bids had been submitted. After much communication and in-order to not get involved in the NCA of ITA internal politics it was agreed by the members of the EC to accept both bids and judge them independently on their own merits.

The EC reviewed the three following submissions:

  • Castiglionese ITA
  • Póvoa do Varzim POR
  • Orbetello ITA

The EC reviewed the bids and produced a follow up questionnaire. It was at this stage I regret to inform the executive committee that the NCA for POR withdrew their bid due to a change in circumstances with the proposed host club. The EC would like to put on record it’s thanks to the NCA of POR for their bid and would like to encourage a future bid from the NCA.

The two bids from The NCA of ITA returned their questionnaires promptly and continued to answer all questions generated by the EC. The EC analysis of both locations included reviewing weather wheels, contacting fellow sailors and the information provided by the proposed hosts. These are the findings of the EC.

  • Castiglionese: A good prevailing wind with a good alternative course if required. However it can suffer from weed growth.
  • Orbetello: The Prevailing wind is from a South / South West direction with an excellent course for South west wind but limiting from North/South. Has provided evidence for all wind eventualities however some will be from fixed point of sailing.
  • Orbetello is closer than Castiglionese for airport links and both venues have large quantities of close accommodation.

Despite both ITA venues submitting strong bids, it is the opinion of the EC that based on the venue location providing a navigable course (100% weed free) and strong recommendations from other skippers. Both of these factors supported the EC’s ultimate selection to award the 2020 European Championship to NCA ITA – Orbetello (25 April to 2nd May provisional dates to be confirmed in NOR).

The EC would like to put on record it’s thanks to all involved in the Castiglionese bid for yet again submitting a strong bid, however would like to raise a matter of concern relating to the IRSA Events Committee Chair trying to pass influence of the IOMICA Events Committee to look favourably on Castiglionese due to it not being selected to host the Radio Marblehead World Championship 2020. The IOMICA EC would like to state that all future IOM Championship venues need to be awarded solely on merit, and merit alone.

Rob Walsh

IOMICA VC Events

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