World Sailing President Carlo Croce Unveils Election Manifesto

Carlo Croce, who is standing for a second and final term as President of World Sailing [WS], has today unveiled his election Manifesto "A New Era for World Sailing" [attached].

His Manifesto builds on what has already been achieved in his first term as President and includes six themes which would underpin and guide his final Presidential term. The Decision to elect the next WS President will be made at its Annual Conference which will be held in Barcelona in November 2016.

The six themes that underpin "A New Era for World Sailing" are:

· Ensure World Sailing is a global leader in sporting governance

· Become a world leader in ocean sustainability

· Embrace innovation to drive the global growth of Sailing

· Establish one-design standards to ensure athletes are competing fairly

· Consolidate Sailing’s place in the Olympic Games

· Ensure the return of Para Sailing to the Paralympic Games

Carlo Croce, President of World Sailing said: "My Manifesto builds on what has already been achieved in my first term as World Sailing President, and I am confident that the ideas I have outlined are not only deliverable, they would also herald an exciting new era of growth for our organisation and for the sport of Sailing. My Manifesto is rooted in the opportunities of tomorrow and our unique heritage. It is this approach that would underpin my second and final term as World Sailing President if I have the honour of being re-elected.

"Since being elected President of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) in 2012, I am proud of what we have achieved together, particularly a significantly enhanced Emerging Nations Programme, steps to improve governance, the appointment of a top class Chief Executive in Andy Hunt, the development of a new Sailing World Cup strategy and securing a five year deal with GAZPROM International as a top level sponsor."

"I believe that given my track record as President of World Sailing and the measures I have outlined in this Manifesto, that I am the right person to help lead our sport into a new era of opportunity, innovation and modern governance. I very much look forward to speaking to the global Sailing family over the coming months to listen and exchange views on ensuring our great sport continues to prosper and flourish in the years ahead. It would be an enormous privilege for me, working in full partnership with the Sailing family, to serve as President for a final term, and I believe that we have much to look forward to as we prepare for the next phase of our development."

About Carlo Croce

Carlo Croce began sailing at a very young age, and eventually became an Olympic Sailor in 1972 and 1976 before falling in love with offshore racing. He competed, among others, in the Admiral’s Cup as well as in the Fastnet Race and Giraglia.It was natural for him to become involved in the America’s Cup and, in 1987, he was appointed CEO of Italia, going on to be involved in the 2001 Luna Rossa campaign, and President for the 2004 and 2007 Luna Rossa Challenges.Carlo has been the President of the Yacht Club Italiano since 1987, and was also a member of the board of the "Federazione Italiana Vela" and became its President in 2008 – a position he will step down from in October this year.

Carlo was elected President of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) in 2012, and has overseen a significantly enhanced Emerging Nations Programme, the moves to improve governance, the appointment of a top class Chief Executive in Andy Hunt, the development of a new Sailing World Cup strategy and securing a five year deal with GAZPROM International as a top level World Sailing sponsor.

Outside of Sailing, Carlo is a Member of the Board of "Istituzione Musei del Mare a della Navigazione" - an institution that administrates several associations in Genoa. He is also a Board member of the "Galata Museo del Mare" which is one of the most important Sea Museums in Italy. In addition, Carlo is proud to be the Founder of Fondazione Nave Italia which is a charitable foundation providing sailing experience and contributes to the wellbeing of young people with learning and physical problems.

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only