ICOMIA and Yacht Racing Forum Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Sustainability and Innovation for 2025 and Beyond.
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Global Marine Leaders Unite to Promote Industry Dialogue and Decarbonisation
The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) is proud to announce a newly formed strategic partnership with the Yacht Racing Forum (YRF). This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the global marine industry, as two influential organisations join forces to accelerate sustainability, technological advancement, and business opportunities across recreational boating and competitive yacht racing.
Shared Vision for a Sustainable Marine Future
This alliance signals a mutual commitment to fostering innovation and reducing the environmental impact of the marine sector. As institutional partners, ICOMIA and the Yacht Racing Forum will work together to promote open dialogue between stakeholders, share expertise across disciplines, and lead efforts towards decarbonisation of the industry.
Bernard Schopfer, CEO of the Yacht Racing Forum, welcomed the partnership:
“We are pleased to welcome ICOMIA as an institutional partner. Their global leadership in the recreational boating industry, along with their commitment to sustainability and innovation, aligns perfectly with the Yacht Racing Forum’s mission. Together, we aim to promote dialogue between industry stakeholders, accelerate decarbonisation and marine-tech development, and foster business opportunities across the global marine industry.”
Uniting the Recreational and Competitive Marine Sectors
ICOMIA CEO Joe Lynch expressed equal enthusiasm about the collaboration:
“The Yacht Racing Forum is an ideal partner for ICOMIA as we share the same objectives—specifically to make our industry safe, successful and sustainable. Yacht racing takes place in many different formats around the world, and whether it is an elite event on the global stage or a local amateur get-together, racing is a key motivator for participation in all of its forms. It is also a large business, with a huge economic impact that needs to continue to develop professionally, equitably and sustainably. There is so much our organisations and our respective members can share and learn from one another. That’s why ICOMIA is delighted to become a strategic partner with the Yacht Racing Forum.”
About ICOMIA
ICOMIA serves as the voice of the global recreational marine industry, representing national marine industry associations worldwide. Its strategic initiatives include environmental stewardship, industry standards, and international collaboration.
About the Yacht Racing Forum
The Yacht Racing Forum is the leading annual conference dedicated to the business and development of yacht racing worldwide. Held in key international locations, the Forum brings together decision-makers from the sport, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates.
The Yacht Racing Forum is the leading annual conference for the business of sailing and yacht racing and takes place at the end of Metstrade 2025, giving all industry professionals the opportunity to attend both events. The video below gives a flavour of what to expect.
This new edition will benefit from the lessons learnt from the first Yacht Racing Forum held in Amsterdam and aims to consolidate its status as a must-attend event for all stakeholders in the yacht racing industry. Register for the event here.
Image credits:
1) Valery Isaenko / Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award
2) Jean-Marie Liot / Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award
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