Perry: “We want the Sailing World Cup to be more attractive for sponsors”

W. Scott Perry, ISAF Vice-president (International Sailing Federation) and President of the Pan-American Federation, is in Mallorca and for the first time at the Trofeo Princesa Sofía, fourth stop of the ISAF Sailing World Cup, although he has sailed on many occasions in the bay of Palma. Furthermore, Perry is one of the ISAF Technical delegates for Río 2016.

"In Sailing, we need to create our heroes. At present, only a few sailors have worldwide recognition" W. Scott Perry, ISAF Vice-president (International Sailing Federation) and President of the Pan-American Federation, is in Mallorca and for the first time at the Trofeo Princesa Sofía, fourth stop of the ISAF Sailing World Cup, although he has sailed on many occasions in the bay of Palma. Furthermore, Perry is one of the ISAF Technical delegates for Río 2016.

What is your impression of the Sofía that has gathered together 803 boats and 1130 sailors from 55 nation in its 45th edition?
A very good impression. I have had the opportunity to visit Club Nàutic S’Arenal and Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa because I had already visited the other venue of the regatta, the RCN Palma. Our interest is focussed on knowing what is needed to host qualifying events of the Olympic Games in other continents such as Africa and South America. We are considering this and in the case of the last two, maybe they will one host qualifying events for four of the ten Olympic Classes such as the RS:X M and W or the Laser Standard and Radial. John Craig was appointed a few days ago as the new ISAF Sailing World Cup manager.

What will be the new direction of this World Sailing circuit?
ISAF has already decided a new strategy with which the recently appointed manager must agree. We will be meeting him in a month time in Southampton. There will be no major changes, but we do want to achieve a Sailing World Cup more attractive for sponsors. Will there be a Grand Final this year? Yes, it will be in December although I cannot yet tell the name of venue that will host the finals of the ISAF Sailing World Cup, in which the best sailors of all Olympic classes will participate. For the selection, the results of the circuit as well as the ISAF ranking lists will be used. A local athlete will also be invited. In 2015 it is scheduled for the month of October.

What could it mean to be the winner of the ISAF Sailing World Cup?
In Sailing, we need to create our heroes. At present, only a few sailors have worldwide recognition. We want to highlight these finals and offer these exceptional sailors a platform so they start getting the recognition they deserve. 2014 will bring an end to a biannual cycle of the ISAF Sailing World Cup. Yes, we need to sign the contract with the events that will be part of the circuit. Something that is clear is that the currently existing ones will very important in the new configuration. In this case, the Trofeo Princesa Sofía, will be very important, Nonetheless, it is all subject to the negotiations with the new ISAF Sailing World Cup team.

How are the preparations for Río 2016 going?
It is all going well. As in all Olympic venues there are problems that have a solution. We are now dealing with a contaminated waters issue. The sailing venue is amazing. We could not ask for anything better. We have studied the weather conditions of the area and, according to the results, it looks like the winds will not be as light as expected. At present, five racing courses have been planned and they could possibly be extended to six.

The city of Palma was presented yesterday as venue of the next ISAF Annual Conference to be held from 1 to 8 November. Why was this decision made?
The selection of the Balearic capital is because Palma is the heart of the sailing world, besides the climate and the period in which it takes place. The event will bring to the capital from 1,500 1.700 delegates. The Conference will deal with ISAF governing issues, the Sailing World Cup, and, of course Río 2016. I must also point out that it is being considered to host certain ISAF meetings in Europe because we are aware of the high cost involved for some delegations to travel to far away destinations.