Yachting Australia

Inspirational Meeting of the Medallists at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron

Photo by Jennie Bridge

RQYS Commodore, Keith Anderson welcomed the audience with special mention to; former Olympic Gold Medallist, John Cuneo who won the Dragon Class in 1972, past Australian Sailing Team Managers, John Harrison and Graeme Roberts Thompson and Yachting Queenslands’ very own State High Performance Coach and 2008 Olympic Yngling Team Coach, Adrian Finglas before handing the floor over to the MC for the evening, Yachting Australia’s Media & Marketing Services Coordinator and former Olympian, Laura Baldwin.    

First to be called to the stage were the Paralympic Silver Medallists in the SKUD 18 Class, Dan Fitzgibbon and Rachael Cox, who are members of RQYS. The pair expressed their delight at the reception they received and the magic feelings they experienced whilst standing on the podium watching the Australian flag being hoisted. Both agreed that the greatest emotions had flowed since their return home after time to reflect on what they had achieved. The team is now aiming to win Gold in London 2012.

Next up were the Olympic Silver Medallists in the Tornado Class, Darren Bundock and Glenn Ashby who have won a combined total of 11 World Titles with Darren now being a two time Olympic Silver Medallists. The team both felt that the Opening Ceremony was the highlight of their Olympic experience.

Darren described it as, “Electric! You walk out into the Olympic Stadium in your uniform along side sporting super stars and are met by a thunderous roar generated by hundreds of thousands of excited fans and supporters from all around the world, it’s an empowering experience!”

Olympic Gold Medallists in the Men’s 470 Class, Malcolm Page who won his first National title at RQYS, arrived sporting a mo as he is fundraising for Movember, one of the many charity functions he has supported since his return from the Games. Malcolm threw his medal into the audience to hold and admire whilst he shared his highlights and feelings of National pride. He described the journey and outlined the effort required to achieve his dream and the importance of goal setting.

The final Olympic Team member to be called to the stage was the legendary Victor Kovalenko who has now coached eight teams to win Olympic Medals in the 470 Class, five of them Gold with twice winning the double, Men’s and Women’s 470 events at Sydney and now again in Beijing. The reason for his success was clear as soon as he began speaking. His passion and energy for the sport is clear and his words were empowering. He made the sailors in the room, young and old realise that they too can be champions.

All the Medallists agreed the Olympics is very addictive and that after a break they will return to campaign for London 2012.

Those who sail in Queensland are very fortunate to have access to an Olympic Coach who can guide them towards achieving their goals with Adrian Finglas as the State High Performance Coach.

The evening concluded with autograph signing of a selection of sailing posters provided by Yachting Australia whilst the club provided a fantastic selection of canapés.   

Training Days – Sydney International Regatta - Updated

Laser Worlds 2008 - Tom Slingsby

The Australian Sailing Team (AST) will be hosting training days on Sydney Harbour prior to the Sydney International Regatta next month.

The class specific sessions will be run by AST appointed coaches and are open to all AST and Australian Sailing Development Squad (ASDS) members.

Details of the sessions are as follows:

Dates: Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th December
Venue: Woollahra Sailing Club will host the training for Boards, Finns, Lasers, Radials & 49ers. 470 training will be from Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
Time: Unless specific classes are notified otherwise, group sessions will run between 10am and 4.30pm each day.
Coaches:

• 470 – Victor Kovalenko
• 49er – Emmett Lazich
• Laser – Tom Slingsby
• Laser Radial – Adrian Finglas
• Finn – Mike Fletcher
• RS:X – Jessica Crisp

If athletes/crews not in the AST/ASDS would like to join these sessions please register your interest with the AST. The final decision will be made by each class coach and will be based on ensuring effective sessions for all.

Any AST or ASDS athletes planning to participate should also advise by email prior to 1st December.

To register your participation or interest, or if you have any questions contact Katie.culbert@australiansailingteam.com.au

Yachting Australia & the AST would like to thank Woollahra Sailing Club & Middle Harbour Yacht Club for their support of this training. Any AST or ASDS athlete participating in this pre-regatta training will be able to store their boats at Woollahra & use the clubs facilities free of charge for those days.

Note for 470 Training
Training will begin from 2pm on 3rd December and 1pm on 4th December

AYC 2009 EARLY ENTRIES CLOSING SOON

Early entries for the OAMPS Insurance Brokers Australian Youth Championship 2009 are due to close on the 28th November.

Entry is avaiable online at;

www.yachting.org.au/youthchamps

Don't miss out!!

Australian 49er Promotional Weekend

Nathan Outteridge & Ben Austin - 49er

The Australian 49er Class is holding an open promotional weekend to encourage people who are interested in campaigning for the Olympic Games in this fast, exciting class!

Date: 29-30 November
Time: Saturday 9-3, Sunday 9-4
Location: Woollahra Sailing Club

Come look/sail/talk with the best 49ers and 49er sailors in Australia, and also learn about the changes to the class with the new carbon rigs.

The Australian Olympic 49er, 2008 49er World Champion boat and the New Carbon Rig will all be on display for people to look at and to sail on.

Attending will be current World Champions Nathan Outteridge & Ben Austin, as well as Olympic 49er Coach Emmett Lazich.

During the lunch break on Sunday (about midday), Australian Sailing Team management will present information on how to become involved in campaigning and be considered for selection in the Australian Sailing Development Squad and Australian Sailing Teams.

Only a few places left at the ISAF International Measurers Seminar 4-5 Dec in Sydney

Yachting Australia are running a two day ISAF International Measurers Seminar at the Woollahra Sailing Club from 4-5 December 2008.

If you are interested in coming along, please complete the Registration Form & return to Yachting Australia before Friday 28 November 2008.

There are just a few places left so be quick to reserve your spot!

Other Links
	Registration Form

ISAF votes for Olympic strategy overhaul

This decision is by far the most important to come from the 2008 Madrid Conference and as far as Olympic sailing probably one of the the most significant of the last decade.

Events Committee chairman Bjorn Unger (SWE) introduced Yachting Australia's Submission 082-08, proposing an overhaul of ISAF’s future Olympic strategy. 'This is perhaps the most important issue we have. We heard in our discussions yesterday that strategy was mentioned many, many times,' he said.

The Submission received a significant amount of support around the table. Class representative Jeff Martin (GBR) said 'One of reasons for supporting this is to create a longer term process in the build up to the selection of equipment, so the classes that aren’t Olympic have the chance to display what they can possibly offer the Olympics.'

Eric Tulla (PUR) added, 'It’s important we make plans with sufficient lead time to prepare ourselves for future Games.'

Following these recommendations, Submission 082-08 which will mean an revised role for the Olympic Advisory Commison was passed.

Phil Jones (AUS), representing Yachting Australia, the author of the Submission, was in Madrid to observe proceedings.

He commented 'We are delighted that the ISAF Committees and Council have all recognised the need for a comprehensive strategy for sailiing in the Olympic Games.

'Timing is everything and we have a window of opportunity in the next few years to bring about substantial and positive change. I sense there is a real will to move the sport forward.

'The challenge will be for ISAF to engage the many stakeholders in sailing - athletes, classes and member countries - in developing the strategy.

'Time is of the essance and the process will need to be properly resourced. There is a lot of work to do if we are to strenghten the position of sailing in the Olympics. The Commission has a big job ahead. We wish them well with the task ahead.'

Here is Submission: 082-08 in full - Olympic Sailing Competition - Strategy

A submission from the Yachting Australia

Proposal:
1. ISAF develops, agrees and promotes a comprehensive vision and overarching strategy for the sport of sailing in the Olympic Games. All future decisions, including those on events and equipment, will then be made in line with this
strategy.

2. The terms of reference and title of the existing Olympic Advisory Commission should be reviewed. The Commission will be responsible for the development the strategy for the sport of sailing in the Olympic Games in consultation with the relevant Committees, Sub Committees and Commissions. The Commission will oversee the development of sailing in the Olympic Games, monitoring and providing input to ensure that all decisions taken are in line with the agreed
strategy.

3. The Executive Committee should reconstitute the Commission as soon as possible, with the terms of reference, associated processes and implementation schedule agreed at the ISAF Mid-Meeting in May 2009.

Current Position:

There is no overarching strategy. The current ISAF Yearbook does not list the Olympic Advisory Commission as one of the Commissions, nor are its’ members listed. Despite the importance to our sport, no single group within ISAF is dedicated solely to the development of sailing in the Olympic Games.

Reasons:

1 The Need for a Strategy

1.1 In order to strengthen the position of sailing in the Olympic Games it is essential that ISAF set a strategy that is transparent and widely understood. The decisions taken in November 2007 on the Olympic Events for 2012 are an
obvious example that ISAF is simply not working to a clear strategy.

1.2 In September 2004, ISAF was asked to complete a questionnaire and return it the IOC Sports Department. It is based on the information provided by ISAF that the 'IOC Olympic Programme Commission Report – 24 May 2005' in
discussing 'Increasing the Appeal of the Sport' states: 'With a view to presenting its sport in a more interesting and attractive manner, the ISAF has taken the following steps….Equipment innovation introducing faster and more spectacular boats, on-board cameras and sound and GPS responders displaying boat positions.'

1.3 This was in 2005. In November 2007, ISAF made two decisions that moved sailing in the Olympic Games in a different direction. Both the removal of the Multihull and the choice not to introduce a High Performance Dinghy for Women are examples that would be considered contrary to the direction indicated to the IOC just 2 years previously.

1.4 Our vision and strategy for the Olympic Games must be future focused. The sport is becoming more professional. More than ever, the decisions taken by ISAF are effecting the lives of our young, elite athletes. Sudden, unexpected
changes in strategy can have a major impact. ISAF has a responsibility to set and maintain a clear direction. This will allow sailors, coaches and administrators to plan accordingly. Certainty is a key to our future success.

2 The Value of the Olympic Games to Sailing

2.1 ISAF must have in place a strategy that strengthens our value as a sport in the Olympic Games. This is a matter of sound, pragmatic business sense.

2.2 ISAF has a product, Sailing. We have one key partner, being the IOC. We promote our product to the IOC, as do other sports.

2.3 The IOC packages a number of sports together to ‘sell’ to the global market.

Collectively and under the brand of the Olympic Games, the IOC generates considerable sponsorship and rights revenue. The greater the audience interest, the more valuable the rights to the various sports that the IOC is selling
and the greater the revenue that can be generated. Over 50% of the IOC income is generated from broadcast rights.

2.4 We share in a portion of the revenue from these broadcast rights. In fact our sport relies on the IOC for approximately 65% of the income of ISAF. The IOC is therefore a very important partner for ISAF.

2.5 ISAF Member National Authorities (MNAs) also benefit significantly as a result of sailing being an Olympic sport. Governments, National Olympic Committees and sponsors support many MNAs because, and only because, our sport is in the Olympic Games. This support is estimated to be more than half a billion Euros every 4 years. Both ISAF and the MNAs therefore have a collective interest in ensuring the IOC is as satisfied as possible with the performance of
our sport in the Olympic Games.

2.6 The IOC publishes tables that show that on the ladder of hours of broadcast from the Olympic Games, our sport sits at 26 out of 281. Set against this, the television coverage of our sport is very expensive by comparison to other
sports, as are the facilities for hosting it. The IOC also notes a number of other significant facts, such as ticket revenues for our sport account for around one 1/4 of one percent of the total from the Olympic Games.

2.7 There are a number of other sports that would very much like the IOC to adopt their sport in preference to ours. Other sports lobby the IOC for inclusion and are prepared to be flexible and adapt their sports to make them more attractive to the IOC needs.

IOC Olympic Programme Commission Report – 24 May 2005

2.8 The IOC has made it clear to ISAF for a number of years that there is concern over the level of public and media interest that there is in sailing. They also express some concerns about the costs of staging the sport. Are there ways we can perhaps make sailing more attractive and less expensive?

2.9 ISAF has responded by making some changes to our sport. We run more races around shorter courses; we introduce a medal race, an effort to provide a 'final' in each event; we set out to establish a World Cup to ensure more regular exposure for our sport outside the Olympic Games. But are we doing enough quickly enough and do we have a clear plan to further strengthen our position?

2.10 Strengthening our sport in the Olympic Games not only helps to protect our current position, but provides the platform to improve that position. A higher profile for sailing means a stronger argument to the IOC for a greater share of the marketing revenues and better support for MNAs from their funding partners. This in turn means more money to invest in the development of sailing at all levels.

2.11 The Olympic Games is the major part of the business of ISAF and its’ MNAs. The implications of not taking steps to secure this part of our business are enormous. The future of sailing in the Olympics is far too important to all of us
to be left to chance.

3 Establishing a Strategy

3.1 This paper does not attempt to set out the strategy but some of the issues that must be considered include:

(a) What the environment will look like in the short to medium term and how can we align with it? What will future generations be looking for, be they participants or spectators, and what drivers will capture them?

(b) How will people consume reports, results and information from events?

ISAF established itself as a leader in the early use of internet technology. Is there an opportunity to do the same with on-line coverage? What will our business model look like?

(c) What is the vision for sailing in the Olympic Games? Are we leading, are we following or are we trying to do both?

What types of sailing should we be catering for? Should the events be the same for both genders? Do we have a focus on youth participation or are we trying to cater for a range of ages?

(d) What are the limiting factors? If sailing was more popular as an Olympic sport, would we still be under pressure to reduce the number of athletes and the number of medals, or would we have a case for greater participation?

(e) What are the strengths and weaknesses of sailing now and what are the opportunities and threats for our sport in the future. How can we differentiate ourselves from other sports to add value in the Olympic mix?

(f) What are the implications on other parts of our sport to changes at the Olympic Games? What alignment should there be with other events, such as the ISAF World Cup and ISAF Sailing World Championship?

(g) How can we best use our participation in the Olympic Games to attract more people and countries to our sport? What links should there be between our strategy for growing sailing, our strategy for youth development and events, and our strategy for the Olympic Games?

(h) How can we better present our sport and our athletes to both the live and remote audience, reflecting all that we have to offer in an attractive and positive way? How can developing technologies help us?

3.2 Once these and other questions have been addressed, we can then build strategies and outcomes to help strengthen our position as a sport in the Olympic Games.

4 The Decision Making Process

4.1 Various Committees, Sub Committees, Commissions and Working Parties currently provide input to a range of decisions about the Olympic Games. However there is no single group within ISAF responsible for the planning and
coordination of sailing on the Olympic Games. As a result of the lack of coordination, a number of things occur:

(a) Poor setting of priorities - There is a focus on some issues and an almost complete disregard for others. This is mainly due to the interests of those within the ISAF family. Events, Equipment and Format tend to dominate because we are all sailors and these are things we understand.

Set against this our focus on TV, media, marketing and promotion is limited and yet this is what we are being asked by the IOC to address. Our expertise in these areas is limited.

(b) Focus on Processes not Outcomes – Our focus and time is on the processes and not the outcomes. The lack of strategy means that the outcomes are not clearly defined and understood. It is too easy for our Committees to become focused on the process, particularly when so much of what we do and the decisions we make are driven by the ISAF Regulations. The Regulations become an outcome of themselves.

(c) Decisions are not effectively implemented and promoted – Good decisions are often poorly executed. As one example, when the Medal Race was introduced, there was a lack of detail as to how it should be run at the major Olympic Class Regattas. Each did it slightly differently. This was confusing and unfair. Also we have failed to promote the advantages of the Medal Race to the media. No decision is good if it is poorly executed, nor can the benefits be properly assessed.

(d) Lack of consideration of the impact of decisions – The decisions that we make about the Olympic Games have impacts on other events and areas within our sport, yet there is very little consideration of these impacts when decisions are made. What, for example, will be the wider implications of the decision not to include the multihull at the 2012 Olympic Games? Conversely, we need to ensure that the decisions we make in other areas are consistent and not in conflict with our strategy for the Olympic Games.

(e) No analysis of decisions made – Research and feedback systems should be in place to allow a proper analysis of the impacts of the decisions that we make. This should be considered as part of the decision making process. Instead it is an afterthought, undertaken in a spasmodic and piecemeal way.

4.2 The establishment of a strategy and reconstituting of the Commission is seen as a way of addressing these issues.

5 The role of the Commission

5.1 The strategy, once established, must be actively implemented and reviewed.

The role of the Commission would be to both develop the strategy in consultation with the Committees and Commissions within ISAF and to then ensure that all decisions are made with reference to the strategy once agreed.

5.2 Importantly, all Committees, Commissions and the Council would be involved in establishing and agreeing the strategy and for any subsequent review. With all parts of the organisation working to a common strategy and only making decisions in line with it, there would be more consistency in the outcomes.

5.3 Given the enormous importance of the Olympic Games to ISAF and the sport, it is hard to understand why we do not already have a group in place that has this key area of our business as it’s sole focus and responsibility.

5.4 The terms of reference and processes through which the Commission will operate should be agreed in May 2009.

6 Conclusion

6.1 As the custodians of our sport, with the responsibility for building and securing the future, we should be doing all we can to make sailing more attractive to the public, the media and the IOC. We have a responsibility to the next generation to strengthen not weaken our sport in the Olympic Games. ISAF must work to put in place and actively implement a strategy to address this fundamental issue.

by Sail-World   8:44 AM Sun 16 Nov 2008
 

Open Invitation To Star Class Training Camp in Sydney

The AST/ASDS would like to invite you to participate in a 2 day Star class training camp in Sydney in December.

The purpose of the camp is to provide an opportunity for athletes interested in campaigning for London 2012 in the Star class to sail the boat, learn from AST coaches & athletes, and to be assessed by AST coaches/athletes/management on their potential for London.

The AST will provide it’s boat for use during the camp, participants with a Star boat are also encouraged to bring their boat to the camp. The aim is to have 2-3 boats available through which crews will be rotated over the 2 days.

Costs of attending the camp are the responsibility of each individual.

The details for the camp are:

• Dates – Thursday 4th & Friday 5th December
• Venue – Sydney (Club tbc next week)

If you are interested in attending please confirm your attendance by email to katie.culbert@australiansailingteam.com.au and advise the following:

• If you will have your own boat available or not
• Whether you are part of a crew already and if so, the details of your crew

Malcolm Runnalls appointed to IRC Policy Steering Group

Malcolm Runnalls, yacht designer and naval architect from Perth, first encountered the RORC Rating Office in 1991 when he was working for Rob Humphries in England. Having worked with the CHS (now IRC) rating system throughout Aisa, Malcolm introduced CHS to Western Australia. He was appointed by Yachting Australia as an IRC measurer in April 2005, and then as Yachting Australia's IRC Chief Measurer in July 2007. In that same year Malcolm represented Australia's interests at the IRC Congress at which he was appointed as Vice Chairman to the IRC Congress.

At the 2008 IRC Congress it was proposed to add a third member to the IRC Technical Committee. This was not supported, however it was countered with a proposal to add a congress nominated representative to the IRC Policy Steering Group.

The Policy Steering Group receives reports from Rule Authorities such as Yachting Australia or Yachting New Zealand, advises the IRC Technical Committee in the interests of owners and oversees the text of the IRC part of the Rule. The benefit of Malcolm Runnalls being in this role is that there is now a person independent of the RORC and UNCL on this highly positioned steering group. It provides interests outside of these two organisations a short cut direct to the decision making process.

The International IRC Owners Association Chairman Paul King said "This will give the owners an even greater say in the direction of development of IRC and will reinforce its capability to supervise the IRC Rule as it continues to grow worldwide."

Other Links
	2008 IRC Congress Minutes
	2008 IRC Rules
	International IRC Owners Association Press Release

YA supporting the ORC International rating rule in AUS

IRC processing for Christmas and New Year period – Critical Dates

The following dates are applicable for the submission, processing and issue of IRC Certificates for the Christmas and New Year period.

High Performace Manager - Applications open

High Performance Manager

Members of the Australian Sailing Team won 2 Gold and 1 Silver Medal at the 2008 Olympic Games. Australia is currently ranked number 1 in the ISAF Rankings for the Olympic Classes. The Australian Paralympic Sailing Team won a Silver and Bronze Medal at the recent Paralympic Games. The Australian Youth Sailing Team consistently finishes in the top 3 countries at the World Youth Championship.

Reporting to the CEO, the successful applicant will be responsible for the development and maintenance of programs designed to underpin and ensure the continued success of Australian sailing internationally. In particular the High Performance Manager will lead the sport’s Development, Paralympic and Youth Programs, with a strong focus on the state-based high performance programs, supported by the State Institutes and Academies of Sport.

To be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate:

• a knowledge of high performance program development and management
• strong background in relationship management with a range of key partners and stakeholders
• strategic and operational planning skills, including budgeting and financial control
• excellent communication skills and a strong but inclusive management approach

A position description is available upon request.

Applications should contain no more than a two-page covering letter addressing the key competencies above, and a short Curriculum Vitae.  Interested candidates should indicate their salary expectations when applying.  Please send to Alastair Snell, General Manager at Yachting Australia, Locked Bag 806 Milsons Point NSW 2061 or via email: alastair.snell@yachting.org.au 

All applications should be received by 4pm on Wednesday 19 November 2008

 Yachting Australia’s high performance programs are funded by the Australian Sports Commission

Australian Sailing Team Manager - Applications Open

Manager