International Sailing Federation Invites Bids for Cities to Host Centenary Celebrations
The ISAF Centenary will be celebrated under the theme ‘Sail the World’. The nature of the centenary events that will run throughout 2007 will encapsulate all elements and levels of the sport from professional races featuring the stars of the sport through to grass roots sailing.
Above all the events will set out to communicate the spirit of the sport worldwide and, in the process, educate and inspire more people to participate in and enjoy sailing.
The pinnacle celebration will be the ‘Sail the World’ sailing festival which will take place over the weekend of 1-2 September 2007. The two day festival will take place simultaneously around the world involving national sailing authorities, classes, event organizers and sailing clubs. ISAF will partner with a City which will host the headline event of the ‘Sail the World’ weekend, including a series of professional rematches, one-off regattas, grass roots programmes and activities to honour the people and places of historic importance to the sport while reflecting the local culture of the Host City.
The weekend will culminate with a unique ‘Sailor of the Century Awards’, a Gala event to recognize 100 years of achievement across all disciplines of the sport which will be attended by royalty, sailing legends and international luminaries from the world of entertainment, sport and media.
ISAF would like to invite Cities interested in hosting the ISAF Centenary celebrations, ‘Sail the World Festival’ and ‘Sailor of the Century Awards’ to register their interest by 9 December 2005. Cities should register their interest by contacting Inga Leask, at Fast Track Sailing, ISAF’s exclusive Commercial Partner for the ‘Sail the World’ sailing festival and ‘Sailor of the Century Awards’, on +44 (0) 20 7593 5200 or inga.leask@fstrk.com. The bid guidelines will be distributed by ISAF following registration. The deadline for Cities to submit their final bids will be 31 January 2006. Each bid will then be evaluated by ISAF with the announcement of the Host City on 6 March 2006, subject to contract.
Göran Petersson, President of the International Sailing Federation commented, ‘The ISAF Centenary offers the Host City a unique opportunity to position itself alongside the world governing body at the heart of the sport of sailing. 100 years is a significant milestone for any organization and the programme of events that will be staged through the ‘Sail the World’ sailing festival and ‘Sailor of the Century Awards’ will generate global media exposure and substantial benefits for the Host City.’
For more information please contact Inga Leask on +44 (0)20 7593 5200 or email inga.leask@fstrk.com
Note to Editors:
The International Sailing Federation
ISAF is the world governing body for the sport of sailing. Established in October 1907 in Paris, it is a non-profit making organisation that represents 117 Member National Authorities and 79 International Classes. ISAF is responsible for the promotion of the sport internationally, managing the sailing at the Olympic Games, developing the Racing Rules of Sailing and Regulations for all sailing competitions, the training of judges, umpires and other administrators, the development of the sport around the world while representing sailors in all matters concerning the sport.
Centenary Activities
The ISAF centenary Year will be a culmination of several events that will celebrate the sport of sailing, its history and the development of the federation. Above all it will be a year to create a legacy for the future of the sport.
The following activities will be taking place throughout 2007:
· Photography Exhibition
· Commemorative Book Celebrating 100 Year of ISAF
· ISAF Centenary Award of Merit for Outstanding Contribution
· ‘Sail the World’
· ‘Sail the World Festival’
· ‘Sailor of the Century Awards’
· Elevation of all sailing events and ISAF Events taking place in 2007