The Official
Website of the
International
Sailing Federation

Connect to Sailing is a global initiative led by ISAF to increase participation in sailing. It is based upon grass roots activities with a focus on youth with the aim of building strong and lasting foundations for community sailing programmes. It aims to expand and develop participation in sailing by attracting newcomers to the sport and retaining both newcomers and existing participants.

Connect To Sailing aims to bring together the organizations involved in and supporting the sport of sailing in a country, such as the member national authority, the sailing industry, sports council, boat show organisers, commercial sailing schools, media, government and non-government organizations. By working together in partnership, these organizations will share their resources and experiences to achieve a more integrated approach to the development of the sport. It will only be a shared approach with all stakeholders working together that will make a significant difference.

The Connect To Sailing website has been launched today. Set to grow and develop over the coming months, the website introduces the Connect To Sailing concept, the project's objectives, the role of the Connect to Sailing Ambassadors and National Task Forces, and examples of best practice.

A Connect To Sailing priority is to share best practice and utilize the programmes that have already proved successful and enable sharing of knowledge from those that have delivered them. The sharing of 'Best Practices' is about inspiring others to participate, helping to solve problems, generosity of spirit, shared goals, a passion for the sport and a desire to participate whatever the level.

ISAF also recognizes that the sport and the industry must connect together. Whilst some may argue that the industry are only interested in selling more boats, the realists recognize that increased boat sales equal more people sailing!

Sailing is a lifetime's sport - and it is part of ISAF's mandate to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to participate and benefit from the sport.