The Publisher
*****
May 26, 2009, 11:21 AM
Post #1 of 1
(2784 views)
Shortcut
|
|
ICOYC Commodores Survey
|
Log-In to Post/Reply
|
|
International Council of Yacht Clubs
Leaders of the world’s premier yacht clubs are “in the same boat”
The International Council of Yacht Clubs (ICOYC) was formally established in 2006 to extend the reach, influence and enjoyment of senior yacht clubs around the world for the benefit of its membership by integrating the club into a network of leading international sailing clubs. Members of the Council include prominent clubs from USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Africa, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.
Today, the ICOYC released its second annual survey of Commodore’s Concerns. Each year the Council invites its member Commodores to express their major current issues to help establish the agenda for inter-club discussions at its International Forum, and on its virtual electronic discussion board at www.icoyc.org.
The top clubs’ major concerns this year relate to the economic crisis and its effects on club operations. The Commodores are also worried about maintaining sponsorship to continue running major events, and are seeking the right financial and management models for these challenging times. This mirrors 2008 concerns about economic and club management issues, although last year it was membership development that featured as the main issue.
Despite the economic conditions, clubs within the Council are finding that their members are taking a more active part than ever. Turnover is up in many cases. The greater participation may be one way to escape some of the uncertainties in the outside world.
Many clubs are introducing new initiatives to make sailing skills more accessible to all. Examples are the introduction of new fleets of match or team racing boats, or the start of a new “sailing academy”. The focus is on match racing, offshore sailing, and preparing for the 2012 Olympics.
The need to attract and retain youth is a major concern at some yacht clubs. One Commodore summarised one of his objectives as the need to “create a sailing vibe and a growth path for juniors vs. other sports and computer games, etc.”
ICOYC members may access the full survey report on the Council’s website at www.icoyc.org.
For more information
President of the ICOYC, John Stork, at president@icoyc.org or call +44 (0)7973 344338.
Note to Editors
The ICOYC was founded in Canada after Commodores from around the world had gathered at the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club in 2003. It has since grown in significance, particularly through the annual Commodores’ Forums which have now been held in Vancouver, Hong Kong, Marseille and Durban. The next Forum will be in Perth in March 2010.
The mission of the ICOYC is to:
· Foster closer relations between selected yacht clubs around the world in order to improve the quality of the yachting and other services they provide to their members.
· Build on the synergy that already exists between member clubs and develop new links by the use of contemporary communication tools and the organisation of timely forums.
· Identify areas of mutual interest and concern among member clubs and to share information on these topics.
· Develop informal communications among member clubs by encouraging participation in joint events such as cruises, rallies, youth exchanges, Interport regattas and social activities.
The President of the ICOYC is John Stork, former Vice Commodore and Chairman of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, London. The Past President is Heinz Rautenberg, former Commodore of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.
|
SCUTTLEBUTT
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG IN