ISAF Mid-Year Meeting - moves on multihulls

by ISAF Media on 14 May 2009 The ISAF Strategic Plan and 2012 Olympic Games were key topics amongst the issued discussed at the ISAF Mid-Year Meeting held in Warsaw, Poland from 7-11 May.

ISAF President Goran Petersson chaired the Council meeting on Saturday 9 May, covering a number of important issues including the '11th medal' at the 2012 London Olympic Games and the approval of two new ISAF members and classes.

2012 Olympic Sailing Competition

ISAF expects to hear from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in August whether ISAF's application for an 11th sailing event for the 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition will be successful or not. A total of 15 International Federations have asked for 32 additional events adding 815 athletes to the Games Programme that is already close to the limits set by the IOC. Also it seems the IOC wants to leave room for two new sports, a decision which will be made in October.

In preparation for the decision on the 11th medal, ISAF recognizes it should let the sailors know as soon as possible what will happen with the selection of class. It was agreed by the Council that the Executive Committee is authorized to make the decision, after ISAF is informed of the IOC's verdict.

The options for the 11th event have also been narrowed down: it will be a Multihull event and the equipment choice is between Tornado and Hobie Tiger. It should be noted that both the Equipment and Events Committee have made recommendations in favour of the Tornado class.

New Members
ISAF approved Tanzania and Aruba as new members.

New ISAF Classes
The Council approved the Equipment Committee's recommendation to grant the Class 40 and Maxi classes Provisional ISAF Class status. This means both classes will be able to hold World Championship events in 2009, subject to satisfactory contractual arrangements being signed.

Silver Medal
Czeslaw Marchaj of Poland was presented with an ISAF Silver Medal by ISAF President Goran Petersson.

ISAF Sailor Classification Code
Submission M07-09 on the ISAF Sailor Classification Code-Competitor Classifications was approved.