World Sailing lead the conversation at the Yacht Racing Forum

by Daniel Smith, World Sailing on 29 Nov 2016 Sailing - sport, technology and nature in perfect harmony.

This was the message delivered by World Sailing CEO Andy Hunt at the opening session of the Yacht Racing Forum in Valletta, Malta that provided the backbone to much of the day's conversations and presentations.

Opening the YRF, a yearly meeting that brings together leading industry experts, Hunt put World Sailing's vision and mission, focussing on the idea of harnessing the power of nature, at the forefront of his speech.

The World Sailing CEO outlined where the world governing body sits within the broad spectrum of sailing outlining responsibilities that include regulation, inspiration and participation.

'It's about inspiring people to be interested in our sport whether as a fan or participating,' said Hunt. 'Previously we haven't done enough to boost inspiration and participation, and this will be part of the core DNA of World Sailing going forward.'

Sailing as sport is unique in its interaction with nature; and in the pure scope of water bourne activities. From sailing around the world solo, foiling a multihull at breakneck speed, skimming across the water kitesurfing or simply cruising on a Sunday afternoon; sailing has a vast offering.

Competitiveness is often apparent amongst the different sailing events and disciplines but in a world where sports are continuously competing against each other for fans, participation and sponsorship, Hunt outlined some comparative statistics.

'57 million people participate in the sport of sailing around the world, right from kiteboarding through to the largest yachts. But how does it compare? 450 million people play basketball and volleyball claim 800 million; and yet a massive sport such as rugby has some 5 million active players.

'They have a huge global reach but we punch well below our weight for the global reach of our sport. How does sailing attract more support? We have never had that guiding light but our vision and mission will be put into action through professionalism, governance, sustainability, commerciality and inclusivity.'

Sporting heroes play a key role in helping a sport to attract a fan base, commercial partners and global reach. Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt are household names around the world thanks to their success at the Olympic Games.

Alastair Fox, Director of Events at World Sailing, gave delegates an overview of the Rio 2016 Olympic Sailing Competition later in the day and started by stating two records for sailing in Brazil. Sixty-six nations were represented in the competition with 17 winning medals.

Out of the medallists came inspiring stories that help grow the sport and the story of Santiago Lange's comeback from cancer to win Nacra 17 gold with Cecilia Carranza Saroli ensured global headlines.

Sustainability has been a leading topic of discussion at the YRF in its history and World Sailing Sustainability Consultant Susie Tomson joined a panel of experts to continue the conversation.

World Sailing released its Sustainability Strategy at the 2016 Annual Conference and during the panel session, Tomson gave delegates an insight into the work World Sailing has completed to date and what will be done moving forward. Read more on World Sailing's Sustainability Strategy here - http://www.sailing.org/news/41200.php#.WDxfFJKT3sE

The Yacht Racing Forum concludes on Tuesday 29 November and Technical and Offshore Director, Jason Smithwick, will continue World Sailing's representation in the Risk Management and Safety session.