The International 470 Class Association , in close co-operation with Olimpic Sails® ( Trieste , Italy – www.olisails.it ) as the sole Official Sponsor, announced earlier this year the “470 Internationale Solidarity Programme” for the 2006 sailing season . The programme is an additional one to the other two already in place in the International 470 Class Association aiming to support sailors and National 470 Class Associations and the potential ones (“ Junior Support Programme ” and the “ Andrè Cornu Grant ”).

The goal of the Solidarity Programme is to support crews from countries with growing Olympic sailing level as well as crews with the aim of running their own Olympic sailing campaign. The Solidarity Programme is targeting potential crew interested in the challenge of competing in 470 at international level against the most famous and high competitive crews.

The Solidarity Programme Logo

There are a number of sailors with a strong interest in two person dinghy Olympic competition, but due to various reasons they are not fulfilling their dreams. The Solidarity Programme would contribute in helping these sailors and their countries to overcome the obstacles they face with by offering the followings:

Equipment support : the crews admitted to the Solidarity Programme receive free sails from Olimpic Sails® (the sole Official Sponsor of the programme) and special discounts for additional orders;

Participation at Class Championships : the International 470 Class Association supports the admitted crews in paying the fees for entering in one of its Championships (Worlds, Europeans, Junior World, Junior Europeans and Master’s Cup);

Promotional materials : the International 470 Class Association provides on request free promotional material including DVDs, pictures, etc..

In “return” the International 470 Class Association asks the sailors admitted to the Solidarity Programme:

1. to write an article (a 1-2 page story) about what was the 470 sailing before and after the Solidarity Programme with some pictures. These articles will be published on the 470 Class website ( www.470.org ) and other sailing medias;
2. to write at least one article (or arrange an interview) in their local sailing magazine (if there is such) and send a copy of the magazine to International 470 Class Association ;
3. to arrange some kind of education or coaching of 470 sailing in their countries. It can be giving lectures to youth sailors or potential 470 sailors about 470 sailing. Occasion could be a training camp, or any other arrangement where it will be possible to show video about international 470 regatta and the boat itself. A short report about such activity is requested.

This year the following 6 crews were admitted to the Solidarity Programme:

Women

• Iulia Negoescu and Georgiana Stoian from ROMANIA
• Dale Rae and Tiffany Baring-Gould from REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Men

• Igor Ivancir and Dejan Antic from SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
• Sutee Poonpat and Worawit Worasan from THAILAND
• Juan Ignacio Sienra Castiglioni and Andres Azar Chiappini from URUGUAY
• Zulueta Mauricio and Topasio Virgilio from CHILE

Olimpic Sails® ( www.olisails.it ) is one of the leading sailmaker worldwide (not only) in dinghy sailing. Founded twenty five years ago, Olimpic Sails® has since then an incredible history of outstanding results and successes gained all over the world, from the Olympics to the Club races, through Worlds and continental championships. Olimpic Sails® is based in Trieste ( Italy ) in a new modern loft of more then 2.000 sqm.