The world has changed dramatically since the last Yacht Racing Forum in Bilbao. We are heading into a blank year, with no sailing events, the greatest circuits cancelled, our source of profit dried up. The competitive sailing industry, like the entire world, is caught in a storm that will not spare the weakest.
As soon as the situation stabilizes, it will be high time for us to get together, to discuss the foundations of our sport and its future. Can we turn this unusual situation into an opportunity? Let’s hope so.
The Yacht Racing Forum 2020, in Portsmouth, UK in just over six months time, will give us the opportunity to address the key issues of the moment, and discuss how to get our sport back on track after a lost season and a complete disruption of the supply chain.
Legal, finance and insurance experts will help us understand how sailing events can be protected against cancellations for unforeseen reasons. The industry’s leading personalities will share their recipes with us, and advise us on the best way to bounce back. Some of the best experts in marketing, sponsorship and communication will advise us on how best to come out stronger and united in 2021.
We look forward to welcoming you to Portsmouth, UK, on November 23-24, for a very special edition of the Yacht Racing Forum.
The organising team
Draft conference programme online
The provisional programme of the Yacht Racing Forum 2020 is online and we invite you to consult it. The programme has been revised compared to previous years, with short & punchy sessions alternating with longer time allocated to the most important panel discussions.
Beyond the consequences of the coronavirus crisis, the Yacht Racing Forum 2020 will address more conventional themes such as sponsorship, new media and the best ways to communicate about sailing teams and events. Our speakers will present the commercial and professional opportunities provided by our sport, as well as ways of increasing the participation of young people and promote gender equity.
The Design and Technology Symposium, supported by B&G, will focus on the latest developments and innovations within yacht racing. This includes the latest technologies from the America’s Cup, IMOCA or Mini classes, safety innovations, foils and flying boats, new sail technologies, materials and much more.
Networking time extended, and an exceptional evening reception
In order to adapt to the requests of our delegates in recent years, we have decided to increase the time devoted to networking. The length of the lunch and coffee breaks has been increased, to allow us all to meet the main players in international yacht racing.
The gala evening reception will be quite exceptional too, as it will take place at the BAR America’s Cup headquarters. It will be another great opportunity to network, make business and spend a good time in an iconic venue.
Book your stand rapidly!
The leading sailing brands have already secured exhibition space for the next Yacht Racing Forum. If you want to benefit from this unique opportunity to show your brands and products to a targeted audience, present your event or venue, or simply to have a personalized space to meet your future clients, make sure to book rapidly: the number of stands is limited.
Contact us here: inna.maltseva@maxcomm.ch
Prominent speakers (coming soon…)
Our speakers list will be published in June. It is still ” work in progress ” but already includes over 40 of the sports’ most influential players, including business promoters, Olympic champions, America’s Cup sailors, Volvo Ocean Race competitors, marketing experts, designers, engineers…
Looking for a Host Venue in 2021
The coronavirus crisis has inevitably impacted event organisers, and the Yacht Racing Forum is not spared by the pandemic. We are looking for a host city for the 2021 edition, and offer particularly advantageous conditions given the current context. In case of interest, please contact us here bernard.schopfer@maxcomm.ch to discuss the organization modalities.
Registrations and early bird discount
Registrations are open. Our Early Bird Discount is valid for the top 80 registrants. Don’t waste any time and save €100 !
For more information and registration: yachtracingforum.com/forum
