Now the Heavy Lifting Begins

World Sailing’s 2016 Annual Conference brings together international delegates this week in Barcelona, Spain. Here’s an update from November 9:

The Commercial Strategy for the Sport took centre stage on the fifth day of the World Sailing Annual Conference bringing the trio of open forums to a close.

Following the Sustainability and Para World Sailing Forum, the Commercial Strategy for the Sport brought together some of the industry leaders to talk about commercial and sponsorship opportunities.

Whilst the Forums have drawn to a close, the Committee meetings continue. A round up of the day is available below:

Equipment Committee
World Sailing endorsed the Nacra 17 class decision to move to a fully foiling configuration with some construction upgrades to be used at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

There were presentations made to the Equipment Committee from four classes who are looking to receive World Sailing class status.

Those classes are:
• Viper 640 – A three-person keelboat
• International One Design – A classic keelboat
• Nacra 15 – The Youth Olympic Games and Youth Worlds Multihull
• CR:X – A kiteboarding one design with a foiling option

All classes are subject to approval at the World Sailing Council and the Nacra 15 and CR:X have been deferred to the Mid-Year Meeting.

The Committee also considered head protection in sailing which was presented by Director of Technical and Offshore, Jason Smithwick. The study recommended a standard for events and classes which would require head protection at their events.

The Regional Games Committee
Betsy Alison, Chairman of the Para World Sailing Committee spoke to the Regional Events Committee about how the Para World Sailing disciplines could possibly be integrated in to Regional Games as World Sailing look at getting the sport reinstated in to the Paralympic Games.

There was also updates from representatives of upcoming Regional Games on their progress and the appointment of officials as well as recaps of the most recent events to take place.

Conference details – Live blog – Facebook

Source: Richard Aspland – World Sailing

About World Sailing’s Annual Conference
World Sailing’s Annual Conference brings together up to 700 delegates every first full week of November. It is the central meeting point where the strategy of sailing is reviewed, discussed and celebrated. Over the Annual Conference, participants plan for the future, make key decisions to drive the sport forward, share best practice and generate new ideas. The 2016 Annual Conference will be held in Barcelona, Spain at the Hotel Renaissance Barcelona Fira on November 5-13.