Olympian Iain Percy backs participation drive in sailing at 13th International Sailing Summit

A trio of key speakers will address a global audience to demonstrate how inspiration and innovation can increase participation and generate business success.

Olympic Gold Medallist Iain Percy OBE will welcome delegates from around the world to the International Sailing Summit (ISS) on 17 November 2014 and record-breaking quadriplegic sailor Hilary Lister and Rod Carr, Chairman of UK Sport will headline the Gala Dinner.
These key figures in the sailing world compliment an already exciting line up of international speakers at the worldwide industry forum.  Recognised for driving positive change and promoting sailing on a global scale the programme centres on the theme ‘Waking up the sailing industry – how sailing needs to modernise, diversify and develop to attract and retain participants’.  Highlights include Spinsheet Magazine’s advice on changing your game plan to welcome diverse customers, using British Cycling as a case study to grow participation, Oman Sail’s view on empowering women through sports and using cost effective technology to improve participation with examples from Sail Racer.
Organised by British Sailing, a group association of the British Marine Federation (BMF), the event is expected to attract some 150 delegates representing all aspects of their sailing sector from every corner of the globe.  It is the perfect event for companies who share the ultimate goal of increasing participation and bringing more business in the future.  The summit takes place in Amsterdam the day before the world-renowned Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS).
Iain Percy OBE, Olympic sailor and Team Manager for Artemis Racing, said: “The recent America’s Cup was a real breakthrough in making sailing mainstream; it was the first time I’d heard lots of my non-sailing friends saying they were staying up to watch the racing and that sentiment was echoed around the world.  The sport was shown in such a great light.  As an industry we now have to build on that excitement to continue to attract newcomers and grow the sport.  Getting more people enjoying time on the water ensures the whole sector benefits.”
Steve Norbury from Selden Masts added: “The sailing industry is very dynamic and presents many opportunities.  I am keen to always lead Selden forwards in terms of technology, service and performance and look for the best way to gain best practice advice and networking opportunities.  The International Sailing Summit is one of the best ways to achieve this and the theme for this year is exactly what the industry needs to face.  I can’t wait to listen to this year’s speakers.”
The 13th International Sailing Summit is supporting the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, with 50 per cent of the conference’s profit being donated to the charity.
Visit www.britishsailing.org/13th-international-sailing-summit-2014 to see the full programme or book your place.
Ends
For more information please contact Annabel Wildey at British Marine Federation on 01784 223811 or email awildey@britishmarine.co.uk.
Notes to editors
The event takes place in Amsterdam, the day before the start of the world-renowned Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS).  METS is one of the industry’s largest B2B exhibitions attracting some 20,500 professionals from over 39 countries. 
International Sailing Summit
The ISS is the key driver in facilitating the exchange of thought leadership to both the supply and demand sectors of the sailing market place, with its key aim to promote sailing on a global scale.
Founded by Alistair Murray, Managing Director of Ronstan International, the International Sailing Summit is an international industry forum that aims to bring the sport and industry together to promote sailing on a global scale. Leading into its 3rd decade, the ISS recognizes its role in bringing together the best in the business, to drive positive change through challenging times, with a vision of taking the sport of sailing to new realms.

British Sailing – British Marine Federation
British Sailing is a group association within the British Marine Federation, dedicated purely to promote and support sailing.  From recognising our great heritage as sailors, supporting today’s sailors and encouraging tomorrow’s sailors, British Sailing is the voice and point of action for British business involved in all aspects of sailing.

The British Marine Federation is the trade association for the £2.905bn UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry.  Established in 1913, the BMF has supported the marine industry for over 100 years and has more than 1500 members representing an industry employing c. 31,000 people in the UK. Members are drawn from both the seagoing and inland sectors of the marine industry covering the leisure boat, hire fleet, commercial workboat and superyacht categories and supporting services. For more information about the work of the BMF and how to join, please visit the website at www.britishmarine.co.uk
 

10/10/2014 17:07