Martin Švihlík – Oracle Czech Republic
This year we were carefully considering a format of new products presentation to our business partners. We always organise an interesting supplemental program, which usually brings friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Sailing enviroment seemed sympathetic to me. This alternative was picked up at the end and we decided to to liven the presentation up with sailing program. I must admit an early little doubt as still not many people in the Czech Republic are familiar with sailing. Everyone was supposed to be introduced to something new, which I considered as positive. We present new products and in the same time most of the partners experience what they never tried before. Perfect combination. Now, after the event, I can say that all fears were needless. There was no-one not delighted with the program, which I consider as a great success.
We were using 8 sailing boats. I split our group into individual crews very carefully. I had our company representative together with experienced skipper supplied by the organisor teaming up with our partners on each boat.
On our arrival at local sailing club we were welcomed by the agency and invited to a delicious refreshment. I gave the opening word and then asked our partners to embark. The first part of the program was focused on introduction to the skipper, boat and sailing basics. After this morning training the participants were coming back ashore for lunch in a good mood. The lunch was follwed by the most important part – the presentation of the new products of our company. That was in my opinion the best schedule. Everyone was in a good temper after the cheerful sailing morning. The presentation went right on plan. After the discussion, which followed the presentation, our clients sailed out again. This time we sailed for "real". The agency organised a real sailing competition for us. Teams were given an oportunity to confront their skills with the competition. It was great. Everybody was happy, which in turn made happy ourselves.
The sailing corporate event was a great choice. I am sure that we will remember that day for long.
Blanka Bobčíková – Mölnlycke Health Care s.r.o.
At the beginning of the year I was looking for new options of filling up the informal part of our corporate conference. We usually pick up standard hotel offers, but this time I wanted a change. I happened to be given by my friend a contact of YFA s.r.o., which offers corporate sailing events. When I received the first offer of organising a sailing competition, I could not imagine our company comprising mainly of women of various age and sports talent competing on sailing boats on their own. Fortunatelly I decided to give it a try and in May we set off to Slapy damm. The conference was held on the first day. In the evening YFA introduced the sailing program for the following day including the sailing race. It was an interesting presentation and I started to look forward to the morning.
After the breakfast we embarked a power boat that took us onto the sailing boats. I was surprised with the modern and spacious design of the boats, as I expected a small old dinghy that could hardly accommodate 5 of us. Skippers Mirda and Ondra welcomed us onboard and started to introduce us in professional manner to sailing basics and the boat. We subsequently tried all roles on the boat. After that we picked up what suited each of us most and practiced for the afternoon regatta. After the lunch in the hotel we came back on water, where was everything set for the competition. We sailed three races and apart the racing adrenaline we enjoyed a lot of fun. Our crew won the regatta.
All employees were so fond of the time together onboard that we decided to repeat the event at our next corporate meeting in the autumn. This time at Mácha lake and again with success.
I have decided to discover sailing beauties in my personal life as well. I can recommend sailing corporate events and teambuildings organised by YFA to everybody. People of any age and sports gift can participate and it is a great and easy way of experiencing something new and having fun.
I would like to thank YFA employees for great sailing experiences on their boats.