The 2009 Regatta Organizers Conference took place for the 5th time in St. Maarten in October. Caribbean regatta representatives showed up in full force to team up and share information in order to better their individual events. Representatives came from Bonaire up to Puerto Rico and everywhere in between. Two days of intense conversations took place with many walking away with innovative ideas.
Topics discussed over the two day conference included ratings systems, rescue and disaster management, scoring, registration and marketing.
Organized by the Caribbean Sailing Association, CSA, this conference aims to bring together the Caribbean regatta organizers in one central location to share important information and facilitate networking. Organized by CSA president Cary Byerley and assisted by CSA secretariat Petra Gilders, the conference held at Divi Little Bay Resort had approximately 30 people attending.
According to Heather Tackling, Director for the St.Maarten Heineken Regatta:, “It is great to meet with other regatta organizers and compare notes, we are all working on the same things but are able to help each other out with tips, ideas and contacts. Year after year I continue to walk away with new ideas, concepts and I am able to implement them into our event. It is an invaluable resource of information no matter what size your event is.”
The conference switches Caribbean venues each year to encourage participation throughout the island chain. For more information, contact director@bigboatseries.com or visit www.caribbean-sailing.com
Report and photo courtesy of the Caribbean Sailing Association.
