THE coming season will be dominated by keelboat events with the emphasis on larger boats and offshore racing. And although the signs over the last decade suggest that this form of sailing is in decline, several high calibre events is little doubt that such as the Fastnet, Round Race and Sydney Hobart retain their appeal, it seems the smaller events generate most complaints from participants. The trend towards short, courses has also much appeal of around sundry marks off coast.

A new event launched last year is the second chapter in phase. The Britain Challenge has gathered key ingredients from the most successful events, mixed it with of the best known professionals in the sport and targeted new comers and beginners in what is becoming an annual highlight on sailing calendar.

This year sees a modification of which last year was to passed Ireland's west coast on a north about route.

The course this year breaks up the long Atlantic leg by including Galway as a stop over, although the event remains the Round Britain Challenge. This misnomer is all the more curious considering the event is the brain child of Harold Cudmore.

Nevertheless, 28 hopefuls from around the country gather at Howth Yacht Club this weekend for the national trials which involves basic training followed by racing tomorrow. The final crew list, including reserves, will be announced on Sunday. Another training weekend follows at the beginning of May while a final session will be held just before the start of the race from Cowes on September 15th.

The 2,100 mile challenge will be sailed in identical Sunfast 36s with a crew of 12 on each, including a professional skipper and mate. Two boats representing England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are entered and the entire course should be completed within a month.

Dickie Gomes returns for his second challenge as skipper while Cork sail maker Tom McWilliam leads Ireland's second crew. Last year's other Irish skipper was David Harte who cannot compete due to his boat building commitments and his role as coach for the Irish Optimist Team.

Meanwhile, the Irish Sailing Association annual general meeting will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2.30 p.m. at Waterford Harbour Sailing Club. The agenda for the meeting includes the contentious issue of mandatory 15A membership for all members of affiliated clubs under a revised Joint Membership Scheme.