CORINTHIAN STATUS - BE IN IT TO WIN IT!

Despite the fact that all major IMCA events incorporate a Corinthian Division, for amateur crews, very few Melges 24 teams are correctly registering their Corinthian status. With fabulous racing and great prizes on offer those amateur crew who don’t register are really missing out so take action now to ensure your Corinthian status for 2005! Here’s how it works:

As an ISAF International Class the Melges 24 uses the ISAF Sailor Classification system to establish Corinthian status. Our class rules state that to qualify as a Corinthian Crew the helm of the boat must be an ISAF Group 1 sailor and that crewmembers can be either Group 1 or Group 2 sailors, but that no crewmember can be a Group 3 sailor. If you enter the Corinthian Division of an event your crew list will be checked against the official online ISAF Sailor List to confirm each individuals status before your Corinthian entry is ratified.

Registering with ISAF and obtaining your Sailor Classification is a simple two stage, free of charge, online process and takes only a few minutes. Although some applications are processed immediately any queries can delay the registration process by several weeks so don’t leave registering till the last minute. Remember - if anyone on your crew isn’t listed on ISAF as either a Group 1 or Group 2 sailor we cannot accept your Corinthian entry!

To obtain your Sailor Classification all you need to do is visit www.sailing.org, select the “Sailors” link on the main menu bar and go to “ISAF Sailor Classification”. The first part of the process is to register your name and contact details with ISAF and the second part is to complete the ISAF Sailor Classification application form. If your application is straightforward your status will confirmed within minutes of submitting your application. If there are any queries on your application it will be referred to ISAF’s Classification Authority for a decision and they may contact you to request additional information. This happens quite often with Group 2 and 3 sailors so it is essential to apply for your Classification well in advance.

For those of you who are already registered with ISAF it is also important to remember that your Classification is only valid for 2 years and needs to be renewed when it expires. If in doubt please check your entry on the ISAF Sailor list and if you Classification has expired renew it straight away.

Don’t forget that all your crewmembers need to register, not just the helm!