| USA. America’s Cup commentator Gary Jobson's gives his top five tips for sailing the open seas |
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| Tuesday, 27 June 2006 | |
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Company news: Allianz, one of the largest and most renowned financial services providers in the world, has brought the racing yacht of the only USA America’s Cup challenger to midtown Manhattan. Allianz executives Blake Moore, CEO of Allianz Global Investors US Retail LLC; Patrick Foley, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America; and Christopher Heidrick, Vice President of Personal Insurance, Fireman's Fund hosted Gary Jobson today at Rockefeller Center. Jobson, aboard the 80-foot carbon fiber yacht currently docked at 30 Rockefeller Center, offered his top five sailing tips for navigating the open seas. Jobson is a Hall of Fame inductee and ESPN sailing commentator. Don't be Afraid to be Innovative While there are many nifty rules in sailing, there are many times where it pays to be experimental. For example, it is okay at times to have wrinkles in the sail as long as you have the desired shape. If you are overpowered because there is too much wind, I find it acceptable to carry a luff in the sails. When sailing downwind, it often pays to sail by the lee for short periods of time as opposed to losing much distance making extra jibes. I also find that it pays to over shoot a windward mark by a few extra feet so you approach with extra speed and allow for misjudgement. Like the America's Cup team, Allianz shares a desire for innovation across products and markets, where we can deliver high quality, reliable and affordable solutions and create new experiences that empower individuals to outperform and improve business (the team) performance. Allianz can deliver expertise in the area of equipment failures through its technology practice, Allianz Centre of Technology (AZT) -- which liaised on the design and technology features of the boat -- including forensic examination of failures, maintenance schedule and risk management, which are all areas where Allianz core competencies may provide a competitive edge for an America's Cup boat. No Mistakes - Critical Success Factors Most often the boat that wins a sailboat race is a team that eliminates errors. Crew practice is often the factor making the difference in making errors in the heat of the battle. Mission -- Fast Yachts, Well sailed -- That don't break! This relates directly to Allianz business forecasters The America's Cup requires a level of performance between the skipper and the crew which must work seamlessly together in order to be successful. Allianz encourages a similar environment, where the quality and reliability of products and services, combined with an experienced team of experts ensures the very best results are achieved for customers and clients. Allianz is a sound choice to cover customer's risks and manage their financial provisions, because we are highly recognized for financial strength and have the competence of the second largest asset manager in the world. Define Duties The happiest boats are sailed by crews who know their exact jobs while they are racing. Before every race, organize a crew meeting to go over everyone's job and state the goal for the day. Then after the day sailing, have another crew meeting to analyze the day, and get everyone ready for the next race. Success in sailing depends on a collective performance throughout an extended period. The ability to perform is also the key driver for Allianz and is based on a clear strategy, executed by a team of skilled professionals in a concise and proficient manner. Allianz is committed to serve the customer along their evolving financial goals, based on mutual trust and reliability. Since 1890, Allianz customers have appreciated our efforts to keep commitments on services and performance as promised. Catching a Wave The best way to catch a wave to is keep the hull perpendicular to a passing wave. Time it so that the boat is upright and there is no pressure on the rudder just as the wave passes under the hull. When steering, head the bow into the deepest troth and steer so that the boat is perpendicular to that wave. Then tell your trimmers whether you intend to head up or bear off to follow the wave. To achieve their individual goals in insurance and financial matters, people look for a professional partner with a qualified pedigree. In times of change and risk -- just as on a racing yacht -- Allianz and its team of experts are the trusted partner to turn to, striking a balance between managing risks and reaping the reward as well as gauging the climate. Allianz enables the individual to find the best solution for his/her needs, providing products and services that prove their value in moments of truth. Talk with Your Competitors Often I gain my most valuable information after the race talking with my competitors. It amazes me how much information I can gather after a day of sailing. People like to talk and you should take advantage of the opportunity. Allianz operates at a global level and shares this major platform -- Allianz operates in 70 countries, with more than 60 million customers. Allianz provides the individual with expert advice, both through clear and relevant information and through a network of highly qualified staff or intermediaries. Due to their local knowledge, Allianz advisers understand, in depth, the financial needs of customers in every market. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 27 June 2006 ) |
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