Caribbean Sailing Association Annual Conference in St. Maarten

The Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) Annual Conference will take place in St. Maarten on October 23-25, 2015. Over the last two years the event has been held in Puerto Rico and Antigua, and returns to St. Maarten this year. It’s central location within the region will assist representatives from as many islands as possible to attend the conference.

The event started as a Regatta Organizers conference some years ago, and latterly included the Annual General Meeting. In 2015 the event expanded with the addition of a Measurers’ meeting and a session on youth sailing development. The new format will continue into 2015 and the venue and programme is currently being finalized with detailed announcements coming soon.

The CSA Annual Conference will bring together key stakeholders in sailing throughout the Caribbean and provide a unique opportunity for measurers, race officers, Member National Authorities, regatta organizers, yacht clubs and other interested parties to network. With the inclusion of industry representatives, participants will gain updates on all the critical issues affecting our sport and hear from industry professionals about everything from marketing to the latest rating rules, sponsorship, regatta management and all the latest developments in yacht racing.

Peter Holmberg, President of the CSA, hopes that all interested parties will attend. “The Caribbean has become a premiere destination on the international race circuit, and our sailors a true powerhouse in the sailing world. I encourage everyone dedicated to the region or the sport of sailing to attend and help shape the course of this organization and the sport of sailing.”

The conference will run from Friday through Sunday, with the AGM on the morning of the 23rd, and the Regatta Organizers Conference starting late afternoon on the same day and continuing through the 24th and 25th. The Measurers’ Meeting will also be held on the 24th and 25th, with an agenda coordinated with the Conference to enable participants of all groups to attend the relevant sections. A conference package is being created to offer delegates a discounted fee to cover the costs of breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks as well as the conference facilities. For those who cannot attend all three days, a daily rate will be offered so that delegates can target particular events on the agenda.

Attendance is open to CSA members including Member National Authorities, Yacht Clubs, Sailing Associations, Measurers, Regatta Organizers and individual (corporate) members as well as any other yachting stakeholders who are interested in finding out more about the CSA. Limited corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available.

A dedicated website will be launched soon with the complete conference details, but until then please mark your calendar and for any questions or information, please contact vp@caribbean-sailing.com.

Background: The Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) promotes sailing within the region, and Caribbean sailing to the world. The CSA also administers Rating Rules to provide a simple and fair handicap system for racing. Additionally, the CSA serves as a forum for yacht clubs, regattas, sailing organizations and sailors throughout the Caribbean to coordinate interests and events, exchange ideas and best practices, and combine voices to achieve broader exposure to the international community. For more information visit http://caribbean-sailing.com.