As the leading annual conference for the business of sailing and yacht racing, this is the first time the Yacht Racing Forum will be hosted in the UK. In its 13th edition, the YRF attracts sports’ personalities from all over the world: event organisers, sponsors, designers, professional sailors, boat builders, media, technical providers as well as insurance and finance companies. Alongside an informative series of lectures, the YRF provides a unique opportunity to network, to debate the future of the sport, and to develop business opportunities.
Portsmouth Harbour’s stunning locale is the home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, Mary Rose and two new aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. The harbour is also known as the UK centre of engineering excellence, a UK yacht racing hub and is the base of INEOS Team UK, Alex Thomson Racing, North Sails, Selden Masts, Raymarine and more. Portsmouth Harbour Marine, the organisation which is helping to bring the event to Portsmouth Harbour alongside Portsmouth City Council, is delighted to be the central liaison between the host nation and the YRF.
“Portsmouth Harbour Marine is committed to facilitating the needs of marine businesses and increasing marine employment,” says Mark Bowden, PHM Chief Executive. “The YRF will help to shine the spotlight on our truly historical yet totally innovative bustling marine sector and develop further international awareness of the harbour as a destination for leisure and racing boats.”
“We are very proud and looking forward to organising the Yacht Racing Forum 2020 in Portsmouth Harbour,” says Bernard Schopfer, from MaxComm Communication, the event organiser. “This will be the first time that the forum will be held in Great Britain, which is surprising given the importance of sailing there. It will be an exceptional opportunity for all members of the British sailing industry to demonstrate their know-how and expertise to an international and highly specialised audience.”
The Yacht Racing Forum 2020 will be an immersive experience in British culture and the industry of sailing, boating and yacht racing. The main venue – Action Stations – features a unique series of historical exhibits, simulators and engaging content that puts visitors at the heart of the modern naval experience. Plus, in addition to the forum, held on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 November, specific visits will be organised with the support of Portsmouth Harbour Marine.
