BOM_2009

007
Message
Pour nous les organisateurs, l’obligation de résultat s’ajoute à la quête du succès, c’est
pourquoi votre Comité d’Organisation a tout mis en œuvre pour que 2009 soit une
édition victorieuse, une de plus.
Je tiens à remercier Mirabaud, Girard-Perregaux et BDO Visura, ainsi que tous nos autres
partenaires et fournisseurs officiels qui nous donnent les moyens de relever ce défi. J’en
profite aussi pour adresser un grand merci à tous ceux qui œuvrent à mes côtés, aux
membres du CO, à nos bénévoles, aux professionnels mandatés, à notre restaurateur DSR
et à tout le personnel de la SNG. Je les associe tous et totalement à notre future victoire !!!
Bonne compétition à tous.
Michel Glaus
Chairman of the Bol d’Or Mirabaud Organizing Committee
Michel Malinowsky's mythical comment “Only the taste of victory is sweet...” could imply that
there is only one winner of the “Bol d’Or” Challenge - the first in real time. It is partly true but,
luckily, there is a lot more to the Bol d’Or Mirabaud than one single victory.
Firstly, there are the official victories such as the Bol de Vermeil for the first monohull, the pewter “Bols”
for the winners in the different classes and even a few other prizes awarded for specific performances.
Then there are all the other, unofficial victories, celebrating the successful accomplishment of
individual goals competitors set themselves before the race. The various objectives listed by
competitors when registering for the race speak for themselves:
• finish among the first 100 in real time;
• cross the finishing line before midnight, before the boat turns into a pumpkin;
• got to beat such and such a boat or jetty neighbour hollow;
• improve one’s best time;
• finish before the close, come what may;
• return safe, sound and in one piece;
• put together a good crew and enjoy the excitement of the adventure;
• be dazzled by it, in great weather conditions;
• participate to the full in the lake fiesta.
There are crowning victories for other participants like the organizers and their partners,
when they see their objectives are met, for example:
• handling a large-scale regatta, the world’s biggest on an inland lake;
• building up a highly renowned competition, attracting international and lake sailing stars;
• offering a “high tech” show, where all kinds of prototypes from different horizons jostle for place;
• providing a well-organized and friendly welcome at the SNG;
• establishing a faultless organization, on both land and water;
• ensuring extensive and good quality media coverage to promote our partners’ support and trust.
Only the taste of victory is sweet… but, luckily, each can pursue his own in the Bol d’Or Mirabaud.
So, it is hardly surprising that, among the competitors and organizers, there are always so many
motivated starters ready to take up these challenges. Is this why the Bol d’Or Mirabaud is so
popular? It is certainly a very good reason.
For us the organizers, as well as striving for success, we have the duty to provide results, which
is why your Organizing Committee has done everything in its power to make 2009 another
victorious event.
I would like to thank Mirabaud, Girard-Perregaux and BDO Visura as well as all our other
official partners and suppliers who, by their support, give us the means to take up this
challenge. I should also like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all of those who work alongside
me, to the members of the Organizing Committee, to our volunteers, our mandated
professionals and to DSR, our caterer, and all the SNG team. For me, they all play a part
in our future victory!!!
Wishing you all a great competition!