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All IMs were invited to attend the Conference along with ISAF Member National Authorities (MNAs) and representatives of International Classes. The Conference was the perfect opportunity to share best practice and look at the role of classes, MNAs and ISAF in working together to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of measurement controls - all with the aim of keeping things fair, where they matter, out on the water.

David SPRAGUE (CAN), the chair of the ISAF International Measurers Sub-Committee (IMSC) and host of the Conference, said, 'The conference was a great success with almost 50% of the IMs in the world attending plus 15 class and MNA representatives.

'The group was exposed to a wide variety of opinions and techniques from around the world. People who had been IMs for years but never had met with other IMs got to interact with their peers and we all learned. In addition there was a significant cross fertilization of ideas and from it came significant resolve to improve the management of our sport.'

Moving Forward

After two intensive days of lectures, presentations and discussions, five key areas for development were identified, and working parties for each area have been appointed:

• Improving the Equipment Rules of Sailing
• Making alterations to the Racing Rules of Sailing where they impact measurers
• Improve education and quality control of IMs
• How to improve Equipment Certification on a worldwide scale
• How to improve equipment control at ISAF Grade 1 and ISAF Grade W events

In addition members of the IMSC took on a number of other initiatives flowing from the sessions, including an expanded clinic and seminar programme.

Crucial Role

At a reception held at the ISAF Secretariat on Friday evening, ISAF Secretary General Arve SUNDHEIM (NOR) gave a welcome speech to the delegates, commenting, 'We are all here for one goal - to work together to improve our sport. This Conference is dedicated to improving the standards of equipment control for our sport, and your role is of course crucial in achieving our goal.'

'You are all volunteers in our sport and your dedication and support is highly appreciated by ISAF.'

David SPRAGUE opened the Conference on Saturday morning, introducing the themes that would run through two full days of lectures and discussions. Over ten presenters contributed their expert opinions on the Conference topics, whilst the variety delegates - which included John DOERR (GBR), the chairman of the ISAF Race Officials Committee, Dick BATT (GBR), the chairman of the ISAF Equipment Committee and several members of the ISAF Secretariat - ensured there were plenty of opinions to be heard when the timetable moved onto areas of discussion.

Topics on the opening day included the ISAF In-House Certification programme, the Equipment Rules of Sailing, measurement protests and IM techniques and tools. The second day of the Conference focussed on class certification and class measurement management.

A lot of planning and preparation work was required to make the Conference a success. ISAF would like to thank the Conference Co-ordination team of David SPRAGUE, Dimitris DIMOU (GRE) and Barry JOHNSON (AUS) along with all the delegates who attended.

To view the list of attendees CLICK HERE.

For all the news connected to ISAF Race Officials CLICK HERE.