YDTS at the 2011 WRYF by Patrick Shaughnessy

9:18 AM 0 Comments

This year I was fortunate enough to be asked to deliver the key note address at the Yacht Design and Technology Symposium which is part of the World Yacht Racing Forum held in Estoril Portugal.

In way of back ground I would first have to say that Estoril Portugal is a beautiful spot and fortunate to have such a friendly and welcoming people. Each time I have been there I have stayed at the Palacio Estoril Hotel which is a gorgeous place to visit.

The conference itself is a well organized event put on by the Informa Yacht Group and is divided into two separate distinct parts. The Design and Technology portion of which I was part attracts numerous noteworthy industry experts who speak to a number of very relevant and interesting technology subjects. The Yacht Racing Forum attracts the business and sailor side of the sport and speaks to trends, sponsorship, and business interests in our sport.

For the attendees it certainly is a difficult choice which side to sit on as both portions offer very interesting discussions which would interest anyone in our sport. Between the various discussions, both groups empty out into a hall for refreshments or lunch which offers a great opportunity to catch up with your peers and to meet that elusive contact. Certainly there are excellent networking opportunities to be had. I always come away from this sort of opportunity impressed with the great people in our sport and the genuine want to make something really special. Very encouraging.

I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in how the technology of the sport works, or wondering how the who’s will use what to keep us all sailing in the future to attend in 2012. December is a wonderful time to visit a warm place like Estoril.

For more info check out http://www.worldyachtracingforum.com/index.html