The International Council of Yacht Clubs (ICOYC) recently held its 9th European and South American Conference at the Gstaad Yacht Club in Switzerland. This event was attended by more than 40 representatives from various yacht clubs worldwide. The conference was filled with insightful discussions and presentations on several issues facing yacht clubs today, including the history and mission of the Gstaad Yacht Club, the Cruising Club of America, Olympics 2024, sailing versus foiling, and sustainability in yacht clubs.
One of the most intriguing topics discussed at the conference was the Gstaad Yacht Club’s mission and how it operates without direct access to water. Commodore Manrico Iachia of the Gstaad Yacht Club presented the topic, “Why a Yacht Club Without Water?” and explained that the club was founded in 1998 by a group of sailing enthusiasts who wanted to create a community for like-minded people in the picturesque Alpine region of Switzerland. The club’s mission is to promote sailing and the values that come with it, including teamwork, respect, and responsibility.
The Gstaad Yacht Club is not the only yacht club located far from the water, but it is one of the most unique. The club has a strong community of members who share a love for sailing and outdoor activities.
The club has its own fleet of boats, which are stored in a nearby lake during the sailing season. Members are encouraged to take part in regular training sessions, regattas, and other sailing-related activities.
During the conference, the Cruising Club of America presented their mission to promote cruising and offshore racing in North America while advancing seamanship, navigation, and safety at sea. Established in 1922, the club fosters fellowship among members and prioritizes youth development through various sailing programs.
The topic of Olympics 2024 was also discussed at the conference, with a focus on sailing versus foiling. Foiling, which involves sailing on boats that rise out of the water on hydrofoils, has become increasingly popular in recent years. Some yacht clubs see foiling as the future of sailing, while others believe that traditional sailing should remain a core part of the sport. The presentations and discussions on this topic highlighted the importance of balancing tradition with innovation to ensure the continued growth and relevance of sailing.
Sustainability in yacht clubs was another topic of discussion at the conference. Robert Flaechsig from Verein Seglerhaus am Wannsee presented on the topic and emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling sustainability initiatives. Sustainability has become a critical issue in sailing, and yacht clubs are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact. The presentations and discussions on this topic highlighted the need for yacht clubs to adopt sustainable practices and work together to promote green initiatives.
In conclusion, the 9th ICOYC European and South American Conference was a great success. The conference provided a valuable forum for yacht club representatives to come together and discuss the challenges facing the sport of sailing today. The presentations and discussions highlighted the importance of tradition, innovation, and collaboration in ensuring the continued growth and relevance of sailing.
The ICOYC is a group of Yacht Clubs that share similar activities and operations, and are committed to promoting the sport and improving the clubs for their members. For further information, please visit their website at www.ICOYC.org.
