Monday, June 27, 2016

Ten Nations Start International Sailing League Association

J/70 sailing league action (Hamburg, Germany)- The SAILING Champions League and official representatives of the national sailing leagues met in Hamburg on the 17th of June to establish the International Sailing League Association. All participants agreed on the standardization of the rulebook for international league sailing.

Ten representatives established the “International Sailing League Association” (ISLA) in Hamburg today and elected the Board represented by Peter Wolsing (Denmark), Edward Russo (France) and Roberto Emanuele de Felice (Italy).

“This development is the logical consequence of the growing international league family,” said Oliver Schwall, founder and creator of the German Sailing League (Deutsche Segel-Bundesliga). “We are creating stable structures, a clear rulebook and represent all interests to lead international sailing leagues into a successful future”.

International Sailing League Association Board membersLeague sailing has become incredibly popular in the past three years. More than 16 nations have committed to the league format already; more than 300 clubs are involved and more than 2,000 sailors are fighting for the title of the “best sailing club” in over 80 league events each year. The best clubs per country qualify for the SAILING Champions League that will take place in two acts; one in St. Petersburg, the other in Porto Cervo in 2016- both are hosted in matched one-design J/70 class sailboats.

“The new format of league sailing has been one of the biggest innovations in sailing for a long time and that is why the ISLA was needed“, said Peter Wolsing, head of the Danish Sailing League.

Rob Franken from the Dutch Sailing League said: “League sailing has the potential to change the sailing world: Easy to understand, one common playground offering huge media potential. The foundation of the ISLA gives this great format the necessary momentum to grow and inspire more clubs, countries and sailors in the world.“

Roberto Emanuele de Felice, President of the Italian Sailing League: “We are proud and honored that the idea of league sailing resulted in so much enthusiasm. In 2016, there will be more than 16 nations with fully established national sailing leagues. We are very happy about the foundation of the ISLA. It is time to move forward and let the format grow.”

After careful consideration, the ISLA will be a registered association in Hamburg according to German law. With membership in the “International Sailing League Association”, all national league organizations commit to the framework and thus ensure their eligibility for the qualification for the SAILING Champions League. Konzeptwerft Holding GmbH from Hamburg, the originator of the innovative sailing league format continues to hold all rights to the SAILING Champions League.  For more information on the ISLA & SAILING Champions League