World Yacht Racing Forum examines commercial aspects
Dec 10th, 2009
The second edition of the World Yacht Racing Forum began yesterday (December 9th) with the focus heavily placed on how the industry was not making enough of its commercial potential.Event chairman Peter Gilmour told the 350 delegates and 60 media representatives that the attendees at the forum represented "projects worth over one billion dollars".
He added that it was a responsibility of those present to "build the platform for young sailors" through their actions in shaping the future of yacht racing.
Keynote speaker and North Sails president Tom Whidden explained that the industry has never been so strong in how it is run, suggesting that businesses could learn a thing or two from the way races are managed.
However, while sports marketing expert Richard Moore explained that his Capitalize business had done well and that the sports industry as a whole has grown by 0.4 per cent, he noted that sailing only makes up a "marginal percentage of this pie".
In other yacht racing news, the Clipper Round-the-World yacht crews are drawing closer to their next destination of Australia, 18 days after leaving South Africa.
Posted by George Clifford
"I would recommend Dream Marine to others. Everyone was easygoing and helpful. I didn’t mind who I talked to. It was all good. Shame having to come back to London afterwards.
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
