Background for Sailing Denmark

The support organisation ”Sailing Denmark” was founded in 2009, with the purpose of strengthening the sport of sailing for all young sailors under the age of 25. We do not believe that the achievement of goals for youth work can be accomplished in a short time. Hence we will collect funds, create possibilities and contribute towards young sailors having fun, gaining new friends, learning new skills and much more.

Except for some that have sailing as a source of income, sailing is a sport or a way of life for the majority of us. Our activities and priorities should reflect this, just as it is clear that our activities should benefit sailors and not others.

It can be done, and Optimist sailors show the way by adopting a series of fundamental rules of play which could also be used by other young sailors. Maybe it sounds a bit presumptuous – but the important visions and strategy are in place.

Firstly we need to ensure that all are treated fairly and equally within every category. Objective criteria should be used for selection purposes. We are also of the opinion that it is fundamental for the majority of funds to be used for sailing activities with minimal administration. Finally, it is also necessary for all to be able to contribute through established processes including hearings.

We are of the opinion that a new Danish model should be developed if we are to have ’beacons’ in the future, in the shape of sailors at the top of international events. We cannot and should not copy what England or Singapore has done – we should develop a model that fits Danish sailors. No matter the outcome, we should constantly strive to develop the model further, to account for new needs and possibilities.

It means that we need to be better at selling our messages; to sponsors and foundations, to sailors and their families, to the volunteers and to everyone in the sailing community, who together can create the framework that hopefully will attract and retain many sailors.

A part of the challenge is communication. Here we are aided by new technology – e.g. Internet and TV, but there is much that can be and should be done better, e.g. websites and videos on the Internet in collaboration with the media.

We also have a need to ’give again’. For example some foundations provide support only if the projects are documented in such a way that others can benefit from the experience - in other sports or outside the world of sport.

We also need to become better at giving back to the invaluable group of volunteers. The free volunteer jackets are an example of this. They also provide an identity and an awareness of being part of the team - name tags on the jackets also makes it easier for individuals to become acquainted.

Finally we shall cooperate better. 

”Sailing Denmark” has well-defined tasks:

Firstly, securing additional funds for all young sailors (primarily up to the age of 25). Additionally ‘Sailing Denmark’ will offer administration and communication/promotion assistance, so we can strengthen sailing in relation to other sports. This will become even more important in the coming years, when companies will most likely cut budgets.

Sailing Denmark will cooperate with all willing parties; special clubs, sailing clubs, unions, individual sailors and professional organisations within sailing.

We hope that Sailing Denmark and the work we do for all young sailors encourages individuals to sail more, and provide other tangible benefits.

If there are questions or comments, please write to us at bestyrelsen@sailingdenmark.dk 

On behalf of the board for Sailing Denmark

Sandeep Sander, Chairman