World Sailing President Carlo Croce to stand for re-election

by John Zerafa on 7 May 2016 World Sailing (WS) President Carlo Croce has confirmed today that he intends to seek re-election in November for a second and final term as President. Speaking in Lausanne to update the WS Council on progress achieved in his first term, he said that Better Governance, Olympic and Paralympic Development and the Sailing World Cup would be his core priorities if granted the honour of serving a further term as WS President.

Carlo Croce said:

“It has been an enormous honour to serve as World Sailing President and as a sport we have achieved a great deal over the last four years. I am particularly proud of our significantly enhanced Emerging Nations Programme, the moves to improve governance, the appointment of a top class CEO in Andy Hunt and the development of a new Sailing World Cup strategy. There is real momentum across the organization.

'Of course we face new challenges and opportunities and I do have a sense of ‘unfinished business’. I want to ensure that the challenges that lie ahead are sailed safely and that the many significant opportunities to grow our sport, at every level, are secured.

“I want to see through a period of real reform in World Sailing's governance. We need to modernise and become much more efficient and effective as a Federation. Change is underway and I can help deliver that change over the next four years. Part of my job as World Sailing President going forward would be to ensure that we not just meet new governance standards, but exceed them, and become a benchmark for other International Federations.

“In the sport of Sailing, we need also to be responsive to the IOC’s Agenda 2020. We are in a changing Olympic world and working together, and in full consultation with the Sailing Family, we must be creative, look at our events on the Programme and embrace innovation. No sport should stand still. Also on Para Sailing, for me returning the sport to the 2024 Paralympic Games is a key priority.'

Carlo Croce also outlined his ambitions for the Sailing World Cup and Offshore Sailing:

“A new Sailing World Cup has real potential to boost our sport's global profile, increase participation and bring new fans to Sailing. This should be done in partnership with sponsors and broadcasters and we must be open to the ideas of new host cities. We also need to take a look at other opportunities including Offshore Sailing, which is an important area of our sport and one of real untapped potential. If we do this correctly, and build the right consensus, it would be a benefit to the whole of Sailing in the years ahead.'

Carlo Croce added: 'As I look ahead I am encouraged and optimistic as we enter a new era with confidence and a willingness to be creative. It is this vision of growth, modernisation and innovation, while respecting our sport's great traditions, that I believe I can deliver if I am honoured to serve as World Sailing President for a second and final term.”

A copy of Carlo Croce’s full speech made today in Lausanne to the World Sailing Council can be viewed at website.