David Bartol Appointed ORC Sportboat Manager to Support Global Growth of ORC Sportboat Class
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8 November 2024 - The Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Bartol in a new position to help manage the growth of interest in racing small, lightweight, fast boats in the sportboat category. These boats have been immensely popular in a variety of regions around the world, yet outside of one-design formats they often struggle to have fair racing under handicap.
The ORC Sportboat Class provides a framework in measurement, rating and scoring needed to provide fair racing and an equal chance to win for its participants. This structure is designed to help define eligible designs that fit Sportboat Class definitions, yet also be flexible enough to give existing local sportboat fleets already racing under their own One Design rules an easy transition to compete as ORC Sportboats.
Bartol’s appointment reflects ORC’s commitment to the continued growth and development of this class. Originally from Slovenia and with over two decades of experience in race management as a Principal Race Officer and event organizer, Bartol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. He also recently became the European Championship Coordinator for the Melges 24 class, further underscoring his dedication to the advancement of competitive sailing in Europe and beyond.
"We are delighted to welcome David Bartol as our ORC Sportboat Manager," says Thomas Nilsson, Chairman of the ORC Promotion & Development Committee. "His expertise and vision align with our goals to promote and support the ORC Sportboat class worldwide.”
ORC Sportboat Class regattas are already on the ORC calendar of events for 2025 and 2026. For example, the 2025 ORC Sportboat European Championship will be hosted by Yacht Club Torbole in Italy. This event will aim to attract a diverse fleet of sportboats from across Europe. A dedicated ORC Sportboat working group—led by Bartol—will be established to support this and other initiatives to drive international interest in the ORC Sportboat class.
