New Head Of Technical and Offshore Department At ISAF Secretariat

Jason SMITHWICK (GBR) has joined the Secretariat of the International Sailing Federation, as Head of the Technical and Offshore Department.

The ISAF Technical and Offshore department is responsible for the equipment side of the sport including ISAF class rules, the Equipment Rules of Sailing, Offshore Special Regulations, builder licensing and rating systems. Jason took up his new post on 3 March 2008.

Jason said, “Sailing is one of the most technical sports and is necessarily very equipment-dependent. The ISAF Strategic Plan has a clear set of objectives relating to controlling and certification of this equipment for the benefit of the sailor, performance, safety and the environment. I look forward to developing this area at ISAF and promoting the ISAF brand with a positive commercial benefit”.

Jason joins as a Naval Architect from a marine consultancy background previously employed at the Wolfson Unit at the University of Southampton. Jason has worked extensively in the marine and yachting industry and has a particular focus on the sailing sport side through his previous involvement with ISAF and the Royal Yachting Association as a volunteer.

He has been a keen sailor since a young boy, sailing and competing in many classes ranging from Lasers to 49ers and also on many larger yacht classes.

ISAF Secretariat – www.sailing.org/secretariat.php