World Yachting Forum goes to Monaco

”We are very happy to welcome the whole yachting fraternity in the Principality, for the World Yacht Racing Forum”, says Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco. “Beyond race results, we believe it is also very important to promote essential values, notably by encouraging solidarity, respect for others, naval etiquette and respect for the environment. That was our objective when we created the “La Belle Classe” label. The Principality of Monaco has always been very active within the world of sports. I hope this forum will become an annual rendezvous which will enable the yachting world to meet every year to reinforce the links between the different activities and actors thus contributing to the development of sailing. It is about the future of our sport.”

In December 2008, the principality of Monaco will be the venue for the first dedicated yacht racing business forum, hosted by Informa plc events, one of the world’s biggest conference organisers. The Grimaldi Conference Forum will be a global meeting place for the best-known sailing events, racing teams, race management and finest sailing venues, from all over the world. In addition, many of Europe’s highest sports sponsorship spenders will be in attendance to assess the great opportunities that our sport can deliver.

The forum will create the platform for delegates to debate the key issues that are critical to the future of yacht racing. Topics will include Television Coverage, America’s Cup, Race Management, Composite Technology, Event Management, Safety, Telecommunications, Sponsorship Value and Media Exposure.

Delegates will benefit from expert advice delivered by sports Sponsorship industry professionals concerning the fast growing yacht racing circuit. Delegates will be allowed to promote, exhibit and present business opportunities within the Grimaldi Forum to the world of motorsport and yacht racing.

The Yacht Club de Monaco is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs, located in the heart of Monte Carlo. The Club is known for its commitment to tradition and in particular classic yachts, with the organisation every two years of Monaco Classic Week. This event brings together early motorised day boats, vintage motor yachts, and classic sailboats in the Bay of Monaco. The 2009 edition (16 to 20 September) will be particularly special with the celebration of the centenary of its flagship Tuiga.

The Club also organises some of the most important regattas in the Mediterranean, such as the annual Primo Cup which in February (5 to 8 and 12 to 15) will celebrate its 25th anniversary, with a particular objective: 80 Dragons for the 80 years of this prestigious Class.