Rules governing Worlds qualification?

Hi - can anyone possibly clarify for me what the rules are with regard for who can represent which country? I'm a Brit living and working in the US - Brit passport - and I'm wondering if it would be possibly to put together a "Team USA" for the next Worlds? Based on the number of Mirror sailors I've found so far it would be a <b>very</b> small team and possibly not the most competitive. Great fun though!! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Sounds like we might need to resurrect the US MCA first though...

Cheers
Luke




Edited by - lukedolman on 19 March 2007 20:48:38

Luke

Any National Mirror Association that is affiliated to the International Association can send a team, size is dependent on number of members.

Would be great to see Team USA competing and you would be most welcome, as you say the first stage is to get US MCA going

MCA Secretary

Thanks Simon, that's really helpful. I'll contact the US MCA guys and see what we can come up with.

I'm trying in vain to find information on when and where the next Worlds will be - can you possibly tell me?!!

Cheers
Luke

Somewhere in Wales I think.

Maybe your best bet would be to charter some boats over in the UK, and sail them for the event. It would probably work out a lot cheaper than hauling your boats all the way from the US. Either that or see if Canada are coming, and investigate the possibility of sharing a container with them.

Great to see the enthusiasm is there for a team USA!

Thanks LevanteIRL - much appreciated.

We would definately <i><b>not</b></i> be bringing our Mirror over with us. Mirror number 18647 may have been competitive in the 1970's (and it does have all the gear) but it's now too heavy and would probably be disqualified due to a GRP bottom job, done at some point in the past. I'd be looking to beg, borrow, scrounge or - failing that - hire a boat for the duration.

I'm afraid this is very much a case of enthusiasm over-riding any sort of sense. The last race I was in was around Hawley Lake 23 years ago. And my eight year old crew has never sailed before... Frankly this idea is rather on a par with the Jamaican bob sleigh team. Still, I grew up with a Mirror, think it deserves some recognition and promotion over here (as does dinghy sailing in general) so I'm hoping that a pair of complete novices, daft enough to have a crack at the Worlds will generate some interest. Who knows! I've just ordered Guy Wilkins book and am devouring everything else I can read anyway. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Unfortunately I'm getting very little response from what seems to be left of the US MCA so that may well prove to be the biggest show-stopper. I've had no response from the ISAF either - perhaps they think I'm joking...

Cheers
Luke



Edited by - lukedolman on 21 March 2007 19:09:41

Edited by - lukedolman on 21 March 2007 19:11:47

I'm not sure you even need to be part of a proper affiliated class organisation. A Norwegian team entered for the worlds in Sweden, and were listed among the entries (Despite comprising only one boat, who eventually didn't turn up!), and I'm 99% sure there isn't actually a proper Norwegian association.

Also the next worlds isn't until the summer of 2009, so you'd have almost enough time to run an Olympic campaign! And I'm sure your 8 year old crew won't be able to put off going for his first sail until then!

Just make sure you have something good prepared for nations night, you'd have to top Team Ireland's traditional loud, tuneless singing!

Luke

Great to talk, as discussed the best way forward would be for you to re-establish the US MCA, sounds like you have found a few owners to join up.

Then organise a championship/gathering.

We look forward to seeing US representation at the 2009 Worlds, I am sure we can find some boats for charter.

Finally the UK will give you as much help as possible to re-establish USA MCA, to get things going we have setup a forum in advance of your own website.

MCA Secretary