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IMOCA BUSINESS CLUB

THE WORLD YACHT RACING FORUM

On Wednesday 10^th and Thursday 11^th December, IMOCA representatives attended the inaugural World Yacht Racing Forum in Monaco, organised by the Informa Group. It was a two-day conference with presentations given by key personalities within the International sailing arena, with representatives from International governing bodies, race organisers, sponsors, media and sailors alike. Guests were invited to give objective presentations about their views on the sport as a whole and the audience was then encouraged to ask questions, allowing an open discussion of many of the issues facing the sport, ones that normally get discussed behind closed doors…it was a fascinating debate..

 

 

 

Alex Thomson represented the IMOCA sailors, Luc Talbourdet the Class strategy and Sophy Williams International IMOCA communications.

 

 

 

Goran Petersson (President of ISAF) discussed the intricate and demanding needs of the sports governing body and how difficult it was to meet everybody’s needs. It was explained that the ISAF funding comes predominantly from the Olympics, hence their close work with that sector of the sport.

 

 

 

As the debates progressed on topics such as ‘How do we drive the global growth of our sport’; ‘What are the critical Factors to ensure successful commercial event management’ and ‘How can we improve the exposure and interest of sailing to broadcast and media’ – it soon became apparent that races such as the Volvo Ocean Race and The Vendée Globe were the races that were attracting huge viewership figures and international interest and that both events served to work for different audiences. Within the media specific debate, both races highlighted their innovative use of new media, a modern and effective way to communicate with large audiences.

 

 

 

The basic IMOCA facts were evident:

 

 

 

• An established, regular 4 year race circuit

   

• Several recognised races for sponsors to exploit

   

• Stable technical regulations allowing the fleet to grow year upon year

   

• A fleet of 30 + IMOCA Open 60s

   

• Sponsor spend far lower than any other offshore race

   

• The Class has a solid French and English basis, with substantial growth in the Spanish market

   

• The solo sailors are the ones creating the dreams and providing the ultimate inspiration within the sport

   

 

 

The forum concluded with a general desire for the sailing industry to work together more; for no class to rest on their laurels; class success is cyclical and it is therefore crucial to have an innovative, evolving programme that responds to the world’s forever changing needs.