The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) and city of Estoril, Portugal today formally signed the agreement for the ISAF Centenary Celebrations to be held over the weekend of 1-2 September 2007
Formed in 1907, ISAF, the world governing body for sailing, will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary under the theme ‘Sail the World’ throughout 2007.
Estoril bid to host the prestigious ISAF Centenary Celebrations against 35 global cities, securing the exclusive rights to host the ‘Sail the World Festival’ and ‘Sailor of the Century Awards’.
Estoril is hosting the ‘Sail the World Festival’ as the climax of a ten-week Summer celebration within the region, involving sailing, other sports events and cultural festivities, which get underway with the opening of the 2007 ISAF Sailing World Championships on 28 June 2007 in Cascais and conclude with the ‘Sail the World’ weekend on 1-2 September.
The Host City Agreement is between ISAF, Instituto do Turismo de Portugal, Cascais Municipality and the Portuguese government.
‘Sail The World’
ISAF will celebrate its Centenary throughout 2007, with the objective to show the watching world the diversity that exists in sailing, and introduce the sport to many who may not have had a chance to experience it. The highlight of the celebrations will be the ‘Sail the World’ weekend on 1-2 September 2007.
The ‘Sail the World’ weekend aims to achieve mass participation in the sport, with ISAF encouraging as many MNA’s, classes and yacht clubs as possible around the world to host a weekend of sailing activities aimed at all disciplines and levels – in effect, a global festival of sailing and a mass global participation experience to celebrate 100 years of ISAF. Together the sport can focus the eyes of the world on sailing and set a world record for the number of people participating in a single sport at any one time.
On the same weekend as ‘Sail the World’, Estoril will host the ‘Sail the World Festival’ featuring classic re-matches and exhibits of historical interest. The festival will include the ‘Sailor of the Century Awards’, where ISAF will recognise the world’s most important sailors of the past 100 years. The Awards are set to be one of the most celebrated events in the history of the International Sailing Federation – an Oscars of a century of sailing! The ceremony will represent and highlight the outstanding achievements of the world’s greatest sailors over the past 100 years.
The two day ‘Sail the World Festival’ and ‘Sailor of the Century Awards’ will be a mixture of water based and on-shore activities, celebrating sailing and honouring the people and places of historic and current importance to the sport.
The signing ceremony was held at the Castro Guimarães Museum, where the ISAF President, Göran PETERSSON and the ISAF President of Honour, His Majesty King Constantine were joined by Bernardo TRINDADE, Secretary of State for Tourism and Laurentino DIAS, Secretary of State for Sport for the signing ceremony.
In congratulating Estoril, His Majesty King Constantine said, ‘ISAF has enjoyed a close relationship with the region and with Portugal over many years. Portugal’s rich maritime history continues to provide a legacy for the sport and Estoril is renowned for its outstanding sailing waters, wonderful weather and expertise to deliver high profile and very successful sailing events. ISAF thanks the Instituto do Turismo de Portugal, Cascais Municipality and the Portuguese Government for their considerable commitment to the ISAF Centenary.’
Showcasing Estoril
The ISAF Centenary Celebrations will promote Estoril as a worldwide tourist and sailing destination. Estoril is renowned for its Mediterranean climate with mild winters and comfortable summers and is a perfect location for hosting major sports events.
Duarte GUEDES, President of the Estoril Tourism Board commented, ‘The selection of Estoril for the commemoration of the ISAF Centenary and of all celebrations associated with the Sail the World Festival endorses the exceptional conditions the region offers for the organization of great sports events. The planned celebrations will provide extensive coverage of the region and will attract sailors and personalities associated with the sport to the region. Estoril will ensure the celebrations are a memorable occasion and provide an ongoing legacy.’
The ISAF Centenary offers both ISAF and Estoril a unique platform to showcase and promote the sport, while embracing the cultural, social and educational aspects of sailing.
António CAPUCHO, Mayor of Cascais highlighted the importance of ISAF in developing Estoril as a premiere sailing location, ‘The ISAF Centenary Celebrations are a unique opportunity for the exposure of the Estoril Coast and Portugal on an international level. By hosting the ISAF Sailing World Championships and the ISAF Centenary Celebrations, the Estoril Coast has positioned itself as the world sailing capital in 2007.’
Together, ISAF and Estoril will communicate the spirit of sailing as a worldwide sport and, in the process, educate and inspire more people to participate in and enjoy sailing.
For further information, please contact:
ISAF http://www.sailing.org/
Luissa Smith, ISAF Director of Communications
Tel: +44 23 80 635111 Email: luissa@isaf.co.uk
Paula Girão, LPMcom – Marketing Institutional
Tel: +351 21 8508110 Email: paulagirao@lpmcom.pt