Strategy And London 2012 Focus Points At ISAF Mid-Year Meeting In Warsaw

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.

The 2009 Mid-Year Meeting of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) was held in Warsaw over 7-11 May and hosted by the Polish Yachting Association. The Mid-Year Meeting brings together the ISAF Council, ISAF’s final decision-making body, as well as the Executive, Events and Audit Committees to consider financial issues and follow up on matters deferred from the previous ISAF Annual Conference. The recently-formed Olympic Commission also had the opportunity to hold their first face-to-face meeting, whilst the Equipment Committee met at the ISAF Secretariat in Southampton, Great Britain late in April. 

ISAF President Göran 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.

Strategic Plan

The Council was given a presentation and discussed in detail the updated ISAF Strategic Plan for the next four-year and talked about improving the governance process of ISAF.

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 Yacht 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 Göran PETERSSON. Find out more about the presentation of the Award here.

ISAF Sailor Classification Code

Submission M07-09 on the ISAF Sailor Classification Code-Competitor Classifications was approved. A full report and the updated Code will be published on the ISAF website shortly.

Meeting Minutes

Minutes from the Council and Committee meetings held in Warsaw will be published on the ISAF Meetings site at www.sailing.org/meetings shortly. All the Agendas, Submissions and Supporting Papers from this year’s Mid-Year Meeting are already available to view online.