ISAF Cans World Cup of Sailing format

by Sail-World.Com/uk on 1 Nov 2007 The ISAF has dropped the concept of a World Cup of Sailing, following failure to agree the format with the Grade 1 event organisers.

Instead the Executive Committee is to prepare a proposal to hold the ISAF Sailing World Championships every two years (compared to the current every four years). They felt that holding the event every two years would offer sponsors, the sport and the media a more comprehensive, easily understood and attractive event. They also recognized that there was support from sailors and classes to holding the combined ISAF Sailing World Championships every two years.

This marks a considerable U-turn from the ambitious plan to run a series of World Cup events through each year - a so called Formula 1 format - culminating in a World Cup grand final event. Apparently the Member National Authorities (MNA) and class associations were not happy with the format, and without the event organisers agreement, the ISAF was forced to back down.



ISAF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – SEPTEMBER 2007

7. EVENTS

(a) ISAF World Cup of Sailing
Vice-President David Kellett presented a report on the implementation of the ISAF World Cup of Sailing. The Executive Committee noted the challenges in achieving a consensus agreement between ISAF and the ISAF Grade 1 Event Organizers.

Accepting that Council had approved the concept for the ISAF World Cup as presented by the Executive Committee in May 2007, it was noted that to implement the concept as approved and establish the profile of the event as set out in the concept was not possible at this time due to lack of agreement.

Decision
1. On the basis that agreement between ISAF and the event organizers could not be achieved, the Executive Committee agreed that the ISAF World Cup of Sailing concept as presented to and accepted by Council in November 2005, November 2006 and May 2007 be withdrawn with immediate effect.

2. That ISAF will not allow any event organizers to independently use the title 'ISAF World Cup' or derivatives of the name/title or any event title pertaining to be a 'world cup' of Olympic classes (equipment).