IMCO goes from strength to strength

IMCO GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

INTERNATIONAL

• There are over 70 Countries currently sailing & racing the One Design world wide.
• During 1999, we have been pleased to welcome Belarus, Cuba, The Seychelles, Sudan, Tahiti, & Zimbabwe as National IMCOs making a total of 63
• 48 countries from 5 continents are represented at the 1999 World Championship
• 29 countries (men) & 22 countries (women) at the 1999 Mistral European Championship
• The six medals in the Savannah Olympics went to 6 countries in 4 continents
• Second only to Laser in terms of numbers in SPA & SOF in 99
• 100+ competitors from 7 nations racing interntionally in Asia;
• Biggest Women's Fleet in Windsurfing -e.g 67 women from 32 nations and 5 continents registered for the 1999 Mistral Worlds
• Continental Regatta Series & Ranking Lists outside Europe enable development of national squads & mean they can gain international experience close to home inexpensively
• The Class is determined to leave a legacy behind following all major regattas - IMCO encourages the development of local race management teams in each continent.

PROFESSIONAL

• An experienced Executive Committee - members from five continents run the Class to provide superb racing and promote the advantages of the Mistral One Design
• 5 TV Stations will cover the 1999 Mistral Worlds
• World Championship Qualification Sytem ensures elite competition & representative fleets
• Transparent accounts prepared by the UK accountants Redman & Roker annually
• Health oriented: proper training programmes mean injuries are very low.
• Pro-active Measurement Policy & well developed Class Rules recognised as 2nd to none
• Measurement Seminars implemented to ensure effective Class Measurers world wide
• Encourages dialogue with coaches and sailors at IMCO Championships.

WELL EQUIPPED

• Mistral One Design: 30.000 + identical One Design boards built to date have been made from the same mould and remain class legal - Junior & Youth squads can be started at small cost.
• One Design allows the cream to rise to the very top at minimal cost
• Committed manufacturer will supply the One Design to 2000 and beyond, even if the Class is not re-selected for the Olympics in 2004
• Any manufacturer can make the One Design sails under licence from 2001.
• Equipment problems proactively solved, not swept under the carpet.:
• The One Design 2000 can be sailed in all windspeeds from 6 > 35 knots

COMMITTED

• Communication: www.imco.org Site is hit by more than 80 countries regularly; continually updated; 50% + of entries & fees made electronically.
• New e-Shop now being developed to sell merchandise and "How to" Videos.
• Regular quarterly e-news letters distributed world wide.
• Classic Fleet for the Weekend Warrior to help swell the Grass Roots
• Open: IMCO encourages the development of new ideas and is open to dialogue with other classes.

So just remember:

"IT TAKES LONGER TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL CLASS THAN IT TAKES TO BUILD A NEW BOARD"
(Quote Paul Henderson, President of ISAF);