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The Icom brand name is synonymous with both Sailing and Power boating but also commands a strong presence in the Yachting Marketplace, having an extensive portfolio of radio transceiver, receiver and navigation products that are available to customers in the commercial, marine, radio-amateur, aviation markets. Equipment is available in fixed-base, vehicle-mobile and handheld formats to suit a wide range of customer requirements. With this in mind, ISAF is very happy that Icom has become a partner.

On the partnership Sam Taylor-Nobbs, Sales Director at Icom UK Ltd, said, "For Icom to be associated with the world governing body for sailing who are also recognized by the International Olympic Committee is an incredible accolade for us. We are looking forward to working with ISAF on various projects especially the development of youth sailing. Communication is a vital part of people being able to enjoy their sport, whether it be training the next potential Olympic sailor in an Optimist or a member of the crew of a Volvo Ocean 65 talking to their support team as they arrive in port after just sailing a gruelling 2,500nm.... connecting to each other via communication is vital."

For more information on Icom and for a link to the full range of products please visit our dedicated website page.

Dan Jaspers, Training and Development Manager at the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), who is responsible for overseeing the Connect to Sailing Initiative, commented on this latest partnership by saying, "In a time where these types of relationship are harder to build I am encouraged by a number of aspects of our new partnership with Icom, namely that the company has a similar passion for development from that of the ethos that I try to spread throughout the many programmes that my department delivers. Communication both afloat and ashore is crucial in all areas of sail training and now all coaches and race officials in the ISAF family and beyond have the chance to receive the very latest, industry leading support through a dedicated range of marine communications equipment. This support will help us to deliver even more effective training to all our emerging nations and introduce another partner to the work of our global members in growing their own marine industry. I thank Bob, Ian, Sam and Roger and all of the Icom team for their enthusiasm to support this initiative and look forward to sharing the success of their 'Connecting to Sailing' over coming years."

What is the ISAF Connect to Sailing initiative and how does it work?

Connect To Sailing's overriding goal is to revitalise grass roots participation in all categories of sailing outside elite activity and put sailing firmly back into a growth sport with a focus on youth. There is evidence to suggest that participation in sailing around the world is in decline and the age of active participants increasing as all sports seek to compete with each other to attract participants and compete with an increase in other interests seeking to attract today's youth.

As a first step, the Connect to Sailing concept aims to bring together the organisations involved in and supporting the sport of sailing in a country, such as the member national authority, the sailing industry, sports council, boat show organisers, commercial sailing schools, media, National Governing Organisations etc. By working together in these organisations will share their resources and experiences to achieve a more integrated approach to the development of the sport.

Connect via Twitter @connect2sailing and Facebook.

If you know of any other organisations that may wish to join the ISAF Connect to Sailing Initiative as a Partner Sponsor then please get in contact here.