Who am I

I work as an IT Manager for a globally active family-owned group of companies. Its 16 business units operate in various markets and a wide variety of industry sectors. There, I specialize specifically in corporate communications and online communications (Intranet / Internet / Social Media). In addition, I regularly coordinate a number of global projects together with international teams: Global Network, Corporate Directory and Global Recruiting. I am married and have a son.

Experience in sailing

I started radio sailing in the 1980s, at first in M-and X-class. My first international event was the 1982 "Wolfgangsee Regatta" in Austria, at that time under the control of Naviga. After a short break, due to my university studies, I started radio sailing again in 1994, now in Germany with connections to the ISAF. Over the last 30 years I have participated in a large number of national and international events in Germany, UK, France, Netherlands and Switzerland. At several German championships I volunteered as Race Officer, Umpire or Jury Chairman. Most prominent events in the recent years were the UK and NED championships for M-Class, the UK IOM and A-Class championship and finally the 2012 M-Class World Championships in Ploermel.

Experience in administration in radio sailing

I am the chairman of the largest German radio sailing club VdMYS with about 200 members. In 2002 I was co-opted as DNM Secretary for GER for the last 3 years together with Nigel Winkley who is the Chairman of the DNM German Sailing Federation (DSV). In addition to the normal duties of a secretary I am responsible for the publishing of the annual DSV RC sailing magazine and for all communications e.g. websites and the DSV online forum. Over the last two years, we completely rebuilt the structures in Germany and therefore are seeing a substantial improvement in the organization of our sport. We established a German radio sailing Class Association in addition to the German Sailing Association which is closely connected to the chairman of the Sailing Federation. We have elected a class secretary for each connected class M, 10R, IOM and Mini40 in order for the classes to be better supported and to spread all the work over more heads.

Objectives for IRSA

Within my work I would also like to internationally promote our common sport. As I have experience in many discussions with friends in Europe there are more and more concerns about the activities of international institutions to be constantly informed. The key is communication and transparency. An organization more geared to the individual classes is a proven concept in many countries and should therefore be used for the IRSA as a guide. In addition, especially international events in the various classes therefore lead to growing interest and should be promoted on the agenda for the coming years.

Statement of commercial interest

I am currently a CEO of BOATSetc with responsibility for overall management. BOATSetc is a source for high performance pre-preg carbon RC sail boats.