Caribbean wide ROC participants network.

The fifth annual 2009 Regatta Organizers Conference took place this past weekend. Caribbean regattas showed up in full force to team up and share information in order to better their individual events. Nearly 30 attended representing eleven events came ranging from Bonaire all the way up through Puerto Rico. Two days of intense conversations took place with many walking away with new and innovative ideas to help with organizing the regattas.

Many topics were discussed over the two day conference including ratings systems, rescue and disaster management, scoring, registration and marketing. Organized by the Caribbean Sailing Association, CSA, president Cary Byerley, and assisted by the CSA secretariat Petra Gilders this conference aims to bring together the Caribbean regatta organizers and allow them to meet in one central location, share important information, and to facilitate networking with others in their industry.

According to Heather Tackling, Director for the St.Maarten Heineken Regatta, "It is great to meet with other regatta organizers and compare notes, we are all working on the same things but are able to help each other out with tips, ideas and contacts. Year after year I continue to walk away with new ideas, concepts and I am able to implement them into our event. It is an invaluable resource or information no matter what size your event is." This event takes place annually, switching Caribbean venues each year to encourage participation from throughout the island chain. Cooperation between the islands is key to maintaining a level high of competition with the rest of the world's regattas, as well as maintaining the strength of the CSA organization.

For more information regarding sailing in the Caribbean, the CSA organization or any other Caribbean related events contact director@bigboatseries.com or visit www.caribbean-sailing.com

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