Fast Track and ISAF

The Leask empire get the contract to promote next year's centenary celebrations

Fast Track Sailing, a dedicated division of leading sport agency, Fast Track, has been appointed by the International Sailing Federation as the exclusive commercial partner to secure sponsorship for the ‘Sail the World Festival’ and ‘Sailor of the Century Awards’, as part of their centenary year celebrations.

In 2007, ISAF, the governing body for the sport of sailing, will commemorate its centenary year with a variety of activities to pay tribute to the worldwide appeal of sailing, and to encourage more participation in the sport. The festivities will span the globe to embrace the cultural, social, and educational aspects of sailing as well as demonstrating ISAF’s ongoing commitment to developing the sport.

Inga Leask, Director of Fast Track Sailing said: “we are delighted to be working with ISAF on a project of such historical importance. It is a year to put the sport of sailing on the map with ISAF at the heart of the global sailing community.”

The pinnacle celebration will be the ‘Sail the World Festival’ which will take place over 1-2 September 2007. This event will encourage every sailor of every level around the globe to take themselves and encourage others to get out on the water – a global festival of sailing. The host event will take place at a European location, for which a competitive city bid process is currently underway. The two day festival will include a series of professional rematches, grass roots programmes and activities to honour the people and places of historic importance to the sport.

The weekend will culminate with a unique ‘Sailor of the Century Awards’, a Gala event to recognise 100 years of achievement across all disciplines of the sport and will be attended by royalty, sailing legends and international luminaries from the world of entertainment, sport and media.

His Majesty King Constantine, ISAF President of Honour, chairman of the working party which developed the concepts for the ISAF Centenary, commented, “2007 marks an historic year for the sport. ISAF intends to celebrate 100 years via a series of unique events which will communicate the spirit of the sport worldwide and, in the process, educate, and inspire more people to participate in and enjoy sailing. Sail the World is an excellent opportunity to showcase the sport of sailing in a universal celebration of sailing, embracing all corners of the world and uniting sailors and non-sailors to enjoy the sport throughout 2007 and beyond.”

The London-based agency is also working with ISAF to secure global partners for all ISAF events worldwide and further promote the sport worldwide.