A HEAD to head confrontation is building between the Irish Windsurfing Association (IWA) and the Irish Sailing Association (ISA) as the bodies compete with one another over the administration of this branch of the sport. While the ISA refused to comment, it is understood that there has been no formal contact between the two bodies.

The IWA are more forthright in their criticism of the national authority. Sean Flanagan, one of the pioneers of windsurfing in Ireland and an IWA Committee member for almost 10 years, explained the situation yesterday.

"Windsurfing is only 20 years old and the developing technology within the sport has moved on from `the plank' to the high-tech, high-performance equipment of today," he said. "We are a small entity but we're trying to expand but how can we do this without funds?" Last week, John Treacy of the Irish Sports Council told the IWA that, following a one-third reduction in their grant allocation this year, they should apply for future funding through the ISA.

While Flanagan agrees that the IWA has developed into a body representing the elite element within the sport, he estimates that there are close to 6,000 boards in Ireland, most recreational. Clearly, as the IWA keeps pace with the technological advances of the sport, the slack left at beginner and instructional levels has to be taken up.

In effect the sport has been split along competitive and instructional divisions between the two bodies. However, now that the IWA funding is under threat, warning signs are flashing for the smaller body.

"I don't think that the ISA are out to intentionally compete with or take over the IWA but they are better placed for fund-raising," says Alan Harris, an IWA Committee member and owner of the Surfdock School in Ringsend Basin.

He feels that the way forward may be a restructuring of the relationship between the two bodies to take this into account.

Meanwhile, this weekend sees one of the longest running and biggest winter sailing series. The Dun Laoghaire Motor YC Frostbite series, on Sunday afternoon, has secured sponsorship from Technomarine and reached its 110-boat entry limit two weeks ago.

Up to 21 race days are scheduled but with fresh winds set to continue over the weekend, cancellation is not unlikely.