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We've just returned from Amsterdam where we presented the Summer Sailstice sailing holiday to the 7th Annual Sailing Summit. For the past seven years the ISS has been a networking and 'best practices' forum for sailing programs and initiatives from around the world. This year the ISS offered prize money for the two best sailing supportive programs presented. Of many terrific programs presented we're happy to report Summer Sailstice got the runner up award taking home $1,000 in prize money and much appreciated recognition from ISS delegates attending from 16 countries!
The other winner was a terrific program called 'The Grael Project' presented by Brazilian Axel Grael, brother of Olympic medalists Torben and Lars Grael. In Brazil 'The Grael Project' has been successful at creating a nationwide network of community sailing programs serving the underprivileged (www.torben-grael.com/english/graelproject/). It's a terrific project bringing sailing to many kids who can greatly benefit from the opportunity. ISAF's 'Connect to Sailing' initiative was outlined as another promising and positive result from prior summits. More about 'Connect to Sailing' can be found at: http://www.sailing.org/.
The entire Summit was an interesting and productive day when on Monday, November 14th, attendees from 16 countries gathered in Amsterdam for the day-long 7th Annual Industry Sailing Summit prior to METS, the largest recreational marine equipment show in the world. An impressive array of speakers provided diverse viewpoints on many challenging topics regarding the sailing world. ISS patron, Sir Robin Knox Johnson, started the creative process early by suggesting boat shows be called boating shows focusing more on the activity rather than just the product.
Paul Strzelecki of Henri Lloyd lead a powerful panel discussion on sailing sponsorship with panelists Mirko Groeschner, marketing director of BMW/Oracle Racing, Bruno Trouble of Louis Vuitton, Tim Sewell of Skandia, and Ed Leask of Fast Track all highlighting the benefits to sailing sponsorship for Skandia, BMW and Louis Vuitton.
Another hot topic included perspectives on the value of preserving sailing in the Olympics and how this can be best accomplished. Attendees were challenged with views on the new scoring systems and ideas from Julian Bethwaite, designer of the 49'er, on creative technological solutions for more on course cameras, GPS technology and fashion in boat design. There is general agreement on the value of sailing in the Olympics but, as always, differing ideas on how this can best be accomplished.
Following Ellen MacArthur's 2004 presentation the wrap up dinner featured two terrific speakers with Mark Turner, Ellen's business manager, offering a riveting account with video footage of the success of B & Q on their round-the-world record plus his view on the increasingly better defined boundary between Corinthian and professional events. Bruno Trouble also gave a passionate account of the innovations and excitement surrounding the new America's Cup format promising an unforgettable cup in 2007. The successful conclusion of the 7th annual ISS prompted an invitation from Bruno Trouble to host the next ISS in Valencia in the spring 2007. The summit once again proved provocative and valuable to anyone seeking inspiration from a global view of sailing. More available at http://www.sailingsummit.com/.
