Add to those the many different associations from around the world - like the British Marine Federation, France's FIN and the RYA.

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) - what was once the International Yacht Racing Union - is now fully committed to offering its expertise and routes to national sailing associations to help the cause.

The object of each year's summit is to share views on how to promote participation in sailing by sharing tips, techniques and best-in-class case studies.

This year's ISS will be hosted by Amsterdam RAI, in conjunction with METS, and is expected to draw a crowd of 200. The programme offers compelling topics that will engage experts from more than eight countries. There will also be the inaugural selection of a $5,000 recipient for the best presentation on how to promote sailing, which will see Andrew Webster, managing director of BB's parent company, Mercator Media, making a presentation based around our highly successful Marine Industry Regatta.

Other features in the day-long programme include "Winning Sailing Sponsorships", which will offer an illustrious crew of panellists who will share what sponsors seek in partnership promotions. The Who's Who of corporate panellists include top marketing representatives from Skandia, Louis Vuitton, Fast Track and the BMW Oracle Racing Team, and will be moderated by Paul Strzelecki of Henri-Lloyd.

Senior representatives from ISAF and the RYA will report on their "Connect to Sailing" and "Onboard" programmes, while one of Brazil's industry executives will address how sailboats are used as part of their education network.

Strategic discussion Additional topics include a strategic discussion about community sailing and the Olympics; the fast-growing international SailTime fractional sailing initiative; a statistical review of worldwide sailboat production; plus a timely report from Thom Dammrich of the USA's National Marine Manufacturer's Association (NMMA) about the US Grow Boating campaign.

Tony Rice, from the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) will also host and moderate an additional panel that will address specific sailing participation initiatives.

A few well-known sailing celebrities will also be attending this year's summit.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, official patron of the 7th ISS, will serve as master of ceremonies for the dinner festivities, which include two keynote speakers.

Bruno Trouble of Louis Vuitton will address the America's Cup, while Mark Turner of Offshore Challenges will share insights about Ellen MacArthur's adventures.

"We are very keen and enthusiastic about this year's ISS agenda and anticipate both an outstanding attendance and a lively interchange of ideas and concepts, " said ISS founder Alistair Murray of Australian deck hardware company, Ronstan. "Holding the event in collaboration with METS should help drive positive attendance and continue to build the quality momentum ISS generates to support the growth of sailing."

The ISS has been held previously in Australia, the US, Holland and Portugal. Major event sponsors for 2005 include West Marine, Ronstan, Henri-Lloyd, The Sailing Company, Raymarine, Fast Track, FIN, ICOMIA, boats. com and Sunsail. Supporting sponsors include Boating Business, IBI Magazine, Kenton Smith Advertising & Public Relations, Sail America, Caffeine Solutions, and METS.

For more information including full registration details and RAI Hotel and Travel Service links, visit www.sailingsummit.com.