“Presenting the ISAF Learn to Sail Training Programme”

The 2008 ISAF Connect to Sailing Seminar, taking place on the afternoon of 9 November 2008 during the ISAF Annual Conference in Madrid, Spain, will focus on presenting the recently published ISAF Learn to Sail Training Programme.

Seminar Programme

2008 ISAF Connect to Sailing Seminar
Time	Topic	Presenter
14:30-14:35	Welcome and Introduction	Göran Petersson, ISAF President
14:35-14:40	Introduction to Seminar	Tim Coventry
14:40-15:25	ISAF Learn to Sail Training Programme - Overview	Tim Coventry
15:25-15:35	ISAF Training Commission - Mission	Rod Carr - Chairman
15:35-16:05	Introducing Newtosailing.com	John Heyes, Yachting Press
16:05-16:25	Coffee Break
16:25-16:40	ISAF Accreditation – Vision	Rod Carr and Olivier Bovyn
16:40-16:50	ISAF Learn to Sail Training Programme – Next Steps	Tim Coventry
16:50-17:50	Seminar Discussion and Questions and Answers	Panel - Rod Carr, Olivier Bovyn, Philippe Delhaye, Richard Percy, Luissa Smith, James Stevens
17:50-18:00	Summary and Closing Remarks	Rod Carr and Tim Coventry

Further Details

The ISAF Learn to Sail Training Programme is a “how-to” programme to aid ISAF Member National Authorities (MNAs) in the provision of a generic national learn to sail programme. It is a comprehensive programme, aligned with established training programmes and reflecting current best practice.

The Connect to Sailing Seminar will also discuss the following common factors required in establishing a national programme, critical partnerships and commercialising a programme:

Common Factors

• Audited training centres working to an agreed standard in accordance; with national heath and safety guidelines
• Instructors qualified to a recognised level
• Common syllabus for all training centres within a country
• National administration and management processes
• Adequate human and financial resources

ISAF Accreditation System

Hand in hand with the ISAF Learn to Sail Training Programme, during 2009 ISAF is planning to launch an ISAF Accreditation System, which will recognize MNA National Learn to Sail Training Programmes.

The ISAF Accreditation System will be based on the contents of the ISAF Learn to Sail Training Programme which will be used as the global standard for MNAs seeking ISAF Accreditation. The ISAF Accreditation System will set out the key standards which an MNA would have to meet, together with other elements which add value to a National Learn to Sail Training Programme. The Connect to Sailing Seminar will present the vision for the ISAF Accreditation System and planned implementation timeframe.

The Seminar will be a mixture of presentations, panel debate, questions and answers and expert advice to fully brief delegates and particularly representatives from Member National Authorities on the opportunities provided by the ISAF Learn to Sail Training Programme and ISAF Accreditation System. Networking opportunities will also be an essential part of the Seminar.

Training is seen by ISAF as a vital foundation to the sport of sailing and the publication of the ISAF Learn to Sail Training Programme and introduction of the ISAF Accreditation System are exciting and fundamental steps in the provision of educational material to support the development of sailing around the world.

New to Sailing Website

Yachts and Yachting will also be presenting their new website which will provide a key information portal for those “new to sailing”.

All delegates to the 2008 ISAF Annual Conference are welcome to attend. The Connect to Sailing Seminar will take place from 1430-1800 hours in the Calatreva Room at the Conference Hotel.