Sponsorship to the fore at first dedicated yacht racing business forum in Monaco
 

Next week sees the launch of the World Yacht Racing Forum, the first dedicated yacht racing business forum, taking place in the principality of Monaco from 10th-11th December. Hosted by Informa plc, the Grimaldi Conference Forum is positioned as a global meeting place for the best-known sailing events, racing teams, race management and the finest sailing venues from all over the world.

In addition, many of Europe's highest sports sponsorship spenders will be in attendance to assess the opportunities that the sport can deliver. Ranked third highest recipient of European sports sponsorship, yacht racing is now a multi-billion dollar industry. Informa are hosting the new forum alongside the well-established Motorsport Business Forum, a regular meeting place of the biggest names in motorsport. Debate A 'Track and Ocean' cocktail party will be the first networking opportunity for delegates to share business opportunities that co-exist between these high profile sports. The forum will create the platform for delegates to debate the key issues that are critical to the future of yacht racing. Topics will include television coverage, Olympic classes, America's Cup, race management, composite technology, event management, safety, telecommunications, sponsorship value and media exposure.   Delegates will benefit from expert advice delivered by sports sponsorship industry professionals concerning the fast growing yacht racing circuit and will be allowed to promote, exhibit and present business opportunities within the Grimaldi Forum to the world of motorsport and yacht racing. Benefits The schedule will include case-study presentations by corporations who have benefited from cost-effective yacht racing sponsorship. Current sailing venues will reveal the financial benefits that hosting a major sailing regatta or event can bring to the local community; and keynote speakers will cover opportunities that are yet to be discovered for yacht racing and sailing in the fast-growing economies of emerging countries. A highlight of the forum will be the World Yacht Racing Industry Awards, an exclusive gala evening celebrating the highlights of the 2008 season, overlooking the bay of Monaco. Providing an animated review of the history of the sport, the Awards will recognise many of the best regattas and venues, the unsung heroes of yacht racing, teams of individuals who work hard behind the scenes to deliver fantastic events and sailing teams and skippers who have excelled in 2008.