RSX Olympic Windsurfing Class

A major overhaul for ISAF’s approach to Olympic sailing looks set to come into fruition after the Council accepted the need for an overall strategy towards the Olympic Sailing Competition. This decision is by far the most important to come from the 2008 Madrid Conference and as far as Olympic sailing probably one of the the most significant of the last decade.
Events Committee chairman Bjorn Unger (SWE) introduced Yachting Australia’s Submission 082-08, proposing an overhaul of ISAF’s future Olympic strategy. ‘This is perhaps the most important issue we have. We heard in our discussions yesterday that strategy was mentioned many, many times,’ he said.
The Submission received a significant amount of support around the table.

Class representative Jeff Martin (GBR) said ‘One of reasons for supporting this is to create a longer term process in the build up to the selection of equipment, so the classes that aren’t Olympic have the chance to display what they can possibly offer the Olympics.’
Eric Tulla (PUR) added, ‘It’s important we make plans with sufficient lead time to prepare ourselves for future Games.’
Following these recommendations, Submission 082-08 which will mean an revised role for the Olympic Advisory Commison was passed.
Phil Jones (AUS), representing Yachting Australia, the author of the Submission, was in Madrid to observe proceedings.
He commented ‘We are delighted that the ISAF Committees and Council have all recognised the need for a comprehensive strategy for sailiing in the Olympic Games. Timing is everything and we have a window of opportunity in the next few years to bring about substantial and positive change. I sense there is a real will to move the sport forward.”
‘The challenge will be for ISAF to engage the many stakeholders in sailing - athletes, classes and member countries - in developing the strategy.
‘Time is of the essance and the process will need to be properly resourced. There is a lot of work to do if we are to strenghten the position of sailing in the Olympics. The Commission has a big job ahead. We wish them well with the task ahead.’

Full submission at: http://www.sail-world.com/europe/index.cfm?SEID=0&Nid=50844&SRCID=0&ntid=19&tickeruid=0&tickerCID=0