A WORD FROM ROLAND GAEBLER, ITA PRESIDENT

The ISAF Meeting that was held in Busan, South Korea last November gave us a clear knowledge on what needs to be done. Thank you Carolijn for representing us there!!

The Tornado Class has to work very hard, and most important of all, united, to get the Olympic status back. The next 2 years are crucial! But the question that needs to be answered is "Do we want to be an Olympic Class or not?" I say a big YES!

My reasoning:

• The Tornado was made for the Olympics and we need to think about the next generations
• Only a purebred racing Multihull attracts the Youth and sportive sailors
• The press wants the most spectacular boat on the race course
• Media results is an important factor for the status of sailing at the Olympic Games
• The Tornado got the award for the best Medal race on TV in Qingdao
• Federations and clubs get better sponsorship chances if they present a sailing boat which delivers the highest level of sailing in the 6-30knots range
• High-speed with gennacker and double trapeze is what the future of our sailing sport needs

We all have, or had, a nice time on a Tornado. What about passing on the sailing passion to the next generation? How? Be part of our Tornado Olympic Challenge and support our work in the next 2 years! Campaign for us!

We all have jobs, family and other activities that keep us busy. But stop for a minute and imagine the Olympic Sailing Scene without a Tornado. The power of our class comes from the Olympic spirit and each of you can provide the boat with that spirit! Share your Tornado sailing passion with other sailors you know, invite them to come sailing with you!

We are putting a budget together to work on promotions and events to get the Olympic status back. We need your support, we need you aboard. Pay your ITA membership fee, encourage others to do so too. The ITA Committee is doing its best, please do yours too! IT COUNTS!!

ONE DESIGN BALLOT

The time to vote has arrived!

Please visit the ITA Website www.tornado-class.org and give your vote for the one-design sails.

The pros and cons were stated in the last newsletter which is also on the webpage. Have your say, vote with YES. ISAF wants One Design Sails at the Olympics. We have changed the grandfather rule until the World Champioship 2012. That means you have a very long period of time to keep using the sails you have now. You will find all information about the Ballot on www.tornado-class.org.

The Ballot opens January 1st 2010 and ends February 15th 2010. Your vote is important but don't forget you have to be a full member of the ITA.

A REMINDER FROM GUNNAR STRUCKMANN, ITA TREASURER

Dear Sailors,

The beginning of the new sailing season is coming closer which also means that you have to pay your membership to be a full member of the ITA.

Make sure that you are a full member of the ITA to have your Ballot vote validated. Your deadline for the payment is 15th February. Thank you!

The ITA membership fee can be paid to the following account of the International Tornado Association:

International Tornado Association - Gunnar Struckmann, Dresdner Bank Kiel Andreas-Gayk-Str. 15-17, 24103 Kiel, Germany

Account No: 104594501, BLZ: 21080050, SWIFT-BIC: DRES DE FF 210, IBAN: DE69 21080050 0104594501

HOTTEST 2010 CALENDAR EVER

TCheck out the most energized race calendar ever. 2010 promises! Go to www.tornado-class.org/ and check the races from Chile to Siberia. From Sweden to Australia. Tornado class Races, Open races, Adventure races. Plus the new European Sailing Grand Prix. There is something for everybody.

And if there is an event that you know of that is not in our calendar please send us the details and we will gladly include them.

BUNDY'S TOP TEN SECRET SETTINGS

It was not an easy task but we managed to get Bundy to share some of his secrets with us. You can't possibly miss this one, log on to www.tornado-class.org and pick your brain.

Thank's Bundy, highly appreciated!!

MESSAGE FROM US ALL @ THE ITA COMMITTEE

We wish you all a nice, safe and peaceful Festive Season and a great 2010 sailing year. Have a good one!

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