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The Official
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Inga LEASK, Director of Fast Track Sailing commented, 'We are delighted to be working with ISAF on a project of such historical importance. It is a year to put the sport of sailing on the map with ISAF at the heart of the global sailing community.'
The pinnacle celebration will be the 'Sail the World Festival' which will take place over 1-2 September 2007. This event will encourage every sailor of every level around the globe to take themselves and encourage others to get out on the water - a global festival of sailing. The host event will take place at a European location, for which a competitive city bid process is currently underway. The two day festival will include a series of professional rematches, grass roots programmes and activities to honour the people and places of historic importance to the sport.
The weekend will culminate with a unique 'Sailor of the Century Awards', a Gala event to recognize 100 years of achievement across all disciplines of the sport and will be attended by royalty, sailing legends and international luminaries from the world of entertainment, sport and media.
His Majesty King Constantine, ISAF President of Honour, chairman of the working party which developed the concepts for the ISAF Centenary, commented, '2007 marks an historic year for the sport. ISAF intends to celebrate 100 years via a series of unique events which will communicate the spirit of the sport worldwide and, in the process, educate, and inspire more people to participate in and enjoy sailing. Sail the World is an excellent opportunity to showcase the sport of sailing in a universal celebration of sailing, embracing all corners of the world and uniting sailors and non-sailors to enjoy the sport throughout 2007 and beyond.'
Established in October 1907 in Paris, France, ISAF is a non-profit making organization that represents 117 Member National Authorities and 79 International Classes. ISAF is responsible for the promotion of the sport internationally, managing the sailing at the Olympic Games, developing the Racing Rules of Sailing and Regulations for all sailing competitions, the training of judges, umpires and other administrators, the development of the sport around the world while representing sailors in all matters concerning the sport.
The ISAF centenary Year will be a culmination of several events that will celebrate the sport of sailing, its history and the development of the federation. Above all it will be a year to create a legacy for the future of the sport.
The following activities will be taking place throughout 2007: