World Sailing President nominated by 45 Member National Associations

by Sail-World.com on 25 Sep 2016 Incumbent World Sailing President, Carlo Croce (ITA) has nominations from 45 Member National Associations [MNAs] for his re-election as the President of Sailing’s International Federation.

In a statement issued by Southampton based Sports PR agency Vero Commmunications it says that nominations for the position of President have been formally published by World Sailing and show support for Carlo Croce spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania and includes all the leading Sailing nations.

(Vero Communications is also advising World Sailing on its bid to have sailing re-instated in the 2024 Paralympics.)

Carlo Croce began sailing at a very young age and eventually became an Olympic Sailor in 1972 and 1976 (Flying Dutchman) before falling in love with offshore racing. He competed, among others, in the Admiral’s Cup as well as in the Fastnet Race and Giraglia.

He became involved in the America’s Cup and, in 1987, he was appointed CEO of Italian Challenger, Italia, going on to be involved in the 2001 Luna Rossa campaign, and President for the 2004 and 2007 Luna Rossa Challenges.

Carlo Croce has been the President of the Yacht Club Italiano since 1987, and was also a member of the board of the ”Federazione Italiana Vela” and became its President in 2008 – a position he will step down from in October this year.

Croce was elected President of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) in 2012, and has overseen a significantly enhanced Emerging Nations Programme, the moves to improve governance, the appointment of a top class Chief Executive in Andy Hunt, the development of a new Sailing World Cup strategy and securing a five-year deal with GAZPROM International as a top level World Sailing sponsor.

Outside of Sailing, Carlo is a Member of the Board of “Istituzione Musei del Mare a della Navigazione” - an institution that administrates several associations in Genoa. He is also a Board member of the “Galata Museo del Mare” which is one of the most important Sea Museums in Italy. In addition, Carlo is proud to be the Founder of Fondazione Nave Italia which is a charitable foundation providing sailing experience and contributes to the well-being of young people with learning and physical problems.

Following announcement of the nominations for President and Vice-Presidents by World Sailing, Carlo Croce said in a written statement issued by Vero Communications:

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those MNAs who have nominated me to serve a second and final term as World Sailing President. This is a great base for my campaign, and I am aware many other MNAs have pledged their vote for my re-election.

'My whole life has been shaped by Sailing, from the first time I stepped onto a boat as a young boy to my experiences as an Olympic sailor to competing in the Admiral’s Cup and Fastnet Race. I am a sailor through and through and that is why it would be an enormous privilege to be able to continue to serve as World Sailing President and lead the organization into a new era of opportunity and innovation.

“In my Manifesto ‘A New Era for World Sailing,’ I outlined how I would build on what has already been achieved in my first term as President, by focusing on six key goals for the future to ensure that World Sailing:

· Is a global leader in sporting governance
· Becomes a world leader in ocean sustainability
· Embraces innovation to drive the global growth of Sailing
· Establishes one-design standards to ensure athletes are competing fairly
· Consolidates Sailing’s place in the Olympic Games
· Delivers the return of Para Sailing to the Paralympic Games

“I am confident that, working closely with the World Sailing Board, the ideas I have set out are not only deliverable, they would also herald an exciting era of growth for Sailing.

'I look forward to speaking to the global Sailing family over the coming weeks to listen and exchange views on ensuring our great sport continues to prosper and flourish. There is much at stake when we gather in Barcelona for our General Assembly in November, and I am confident of tremendous support to build on the great work of World Sailing going forward.'

Up to 144 MNAs are entitled to vote in the World Sailing Presidential elections which will take place in Barcelona at the World Sailing General Assembly on Sunday 13 November 2016.

The 45 MNAs that are said in the statement to have nominated Carlo Croce for the position of World Sailing President are:

Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, Croatia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Malta, Morocco, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Uruguay, USA and Vanuatu

In an earlier statement, issued in July, also by Vero Communications, Carlo Croce, President of World Sailing said:

“My Manifesto builds on what has already been achieved in my first term as World Sailing President, and I am confident that the ideas I have outlined are not only deliverable, they would also herald an exciting new era of growth for our organisation and for the sport of Sailing. My Manifesto is rooted in the opportunities of tomorrow and our unique heritage. It is this approach that would underpin my second and final term as World Sailing President if I have the honour of being re-elected.

“Since being elected President of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) in 2012, I am proud of what we have achieved together, particularly a significantly enhanced Emerging Nations Programme, steps to improve governance, the appointment of a top class Chief Executive in Andy Hunt, the development of a new Sailing World Cup strategy and securing a five-year deal with GAZPROM International as a top level sponsor.”

“I believe that given my track record as President of World Sailing and the measures I have outlined in this Manifesto, that I am the right person to help lead our sport into a new era of opportunity, innovation, and modern governance. I very much look forward to speaking to the global Sailing family over the coming months to listen and exchange views on ensuring our great sport continues to prosper and flourish in the years ahead. It would be an enormous privilege for me, working in full partnership with the Sailing family, to serve as President for a final term, and I believe that we have much to look forward to as we prepare for the next phase of our development.”