Organisers of leading yacht racing business conference announce the 2010 edition of the event to take place in Estoril, Portugal from 14 - 15 December.
London June 2, 2010 - Leading figures from the world of sailing and yacht racing will come together in Estoril, Portugal, from 14 - 15 December 2010 for the third edition of the World Yacht Racing Forum at the Estoril Congress Centre. The two - day conference will include many new features this year such as a new interactive exhibition lounge, additional workshop sessions, and an online networking tool to connect delegates prior to the conference. Delegates will also be invited to participate in a special Golf Day hosted by the organisers on Thursday 16 December.
The event will once again be held with the continued association and support from the Yacht Club de Monaco under the High Patronage of its President, HSH Prince Albert II. As one of the world’s most prestigious and well known yacht clubs, the YCM was the official host of the first World Yacht Racing Forum in 2008 and is pleased to continue its support of the event in 2010.
The 500 - seat main auditorium in the impressive Estoril Congress Centre will provide an ideal stage for the two days of lively discussions and panel debates at the Forum. A comprehensive speaker schedule is being put together with input from an advisory panel of some of sailing’s most respected industry leaders.
The 2010 advisory panel includes;
- Richard Brisius - CEO, Atlant Racing, SWE
- Paul Cayard - Professional Sailor, USA
- Michel Desjoyeaux - Professional Sailor, FRA
- Knut Frostad - CEO, Volvo Ocean Race, NOR
- Peter Gilmour - Event Promoter and Professional Sailor, AUS
- Cam Lewis - Professional Sailor, USA
- Richard Moore - CEO, Capitalize, UK
- Vincenzo Onorato - President, Mascalzone Latino, ITA
- Jerome Pels - Secretary General, ISAF, NED
- Bernard Shopfer - Maxcomm Communications, SUI
- Richard Simmonds - Managing Director, Sunset and Vine APP, UK
- Mark Turner - CEO, OC Group, UK
- Ignacio Triay - Circuit Director, Audi MedCup, ESP
Estoril is approximately 30 kilometres from Lisbon in a region that includes the municipalities of Cascais, Sintra, Oeiras, Mafra and Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Cascais itself is a well - known venue for major sailing events including the Portugal Match Cup, and Audi MedCup series in 2010. Estoril also played host to the 2007 ISAF Sailing World Championships.
“We are very proud and privileged to host the World Yacht Racing Forum, the Yacht Racing Design & Technology Symposium and the International Superyacht Coatings Conference in our region, the Estoril Coast”, said Duarte Nobre Guedes - , President of Turismo Estoril. “The quality of the conferences, the themes of which are so important to our local tourism, show the great bond of Estoril and the bay of Cascais with the nautical environment, while contributing to the increase of our international reputation. We look forward to providing a warm welcome to all delegates in Estoril in December.
The Forum will once again be co - located with the second edition of the Yacht Racing Design & Technology Symposium - and the International Superyacht Coatings Conference - on the same dates. Over 400 delegates are expected to attend the three events.Commenting on the change of venue and new dates, Event Director James Pleasance - explains
“We moved the events a week later this year to avoid any date conflicts with other boat shows and yachting regattas in December. It is important for anyone involved in the business of yachting to attend the Forum as it is their opportunity to contribute to the future of their sport. Estoril is an ideal venue which is easily accessible and cost effective for participants at that time of year.’
Founded in 2008, The World Yacht Racing Forum - gives the sailing community the opportunity to debate the sports’ key issues and allows a very widespread community to gather and network. Over the last two years it has become the must - attend event for the whole of the yacht - racing industry.
This year’s conference will include eight sessions held over two days. The debates will provide more panel discussions and opportunity for the audience to interact and participate during the discussions. On the social side, there will be a welcome cocktail reception on Monday 13 December and an evening function on Tuesday 14 December during the conference.Delegates will also be invited to participate in a special Golf Day hosted by the organisers on Thursday 16 December.
Full details of the conference programme and speakers will be released shortly.Please visit www.worldyachtracingforum.com for more information.
Bernard Schopfer, MaxComm Communication