New ISAF Sailing World Cup to be launched

We are reminded during the 2014 Winter Games that other Olympic sports have prominent World Cup circuits…

Alpine Skiing World Cup
Luge World Cup
Short Track Speed Skating World Cup
Ski Jumping World Cup
… and more.

So it was no coincidence that when ISAF sought to bring together an organized circuit of Olympic sailing events in 2008, it was named the ISAF Sailing World Cup. It was their mission that the circuit would offer the definitive guide to the best-of-the-best in the Olympic sailing world.

But it hasn’t been perfect. They harnessed the prominent events, convinced them to come under the umbrella, and got the ball rolling. However, the demands for several of the events were more trouble than it was worth, and the 2012-13 circuit was reduced from 7 to 4 events. The current circuit has five events, with a poorly attended stop in China added this year.

ISAF knows it needs to do better, but has yet to reveal their plan. However, a job position that ISAF is seeking to fill sheds some light on their direction…

Job Vacancy at ISAF – Head of ISAF Sailing World Cup
The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) is launching a new ISAF Sailing World Cup, including an annual Grand Final, with the first events taking place in December 2014.

The Sailing World Cup is ISAF’s most important event property, and is to be managed in-house. ISAF is therefore seeking a dynamic and resourceful individual to be responsible for the implementation and success of the new Sailing World Cup, including all associated sponsorship and commercial activities.

The role requires vision and initiative, partnership and entrepreneur skills, combined with strong management and team-player attributes, and a familiarity with the world of sailing competition at an Olympic level.
Success of the role will be measured by:

– The ISAF Sailing World Cup is within three years recognised, by sailors and specialist media, as the pinnacle event for Olympic sailing next to the Olympic Games;
– The ISAF Sailing World Cup drives sponsor opportunities and sponsor value, and is of increasing commercial value for ISAF, national sailing teams and individual sailors.

Success will depend on an ability to be self-motivated, but to work within the existing ISAF community and stakeholders.

Click here if you want this job.