World Sailing has officially launched its new strategy, Ready for the Future, which will guide the sport from 2025 to 2029.

Developed in collaboration with athletes, World Sailing Council representatives, World Sailing Board Members, Classes and stakeholders, the strategy focuses on four priorities for the sport: 

• Events and Commercial – Great events which grow the audience for sailing, as well as generate new revenue to be invested in the development of the sport. 
• Growth – More impact for investment in international development through online resources and greater collaboration at continental and national federation level.
• Governance – Implementing World Sailing’s governance reforms to put the federation at the forefront of sports governance. 
• Impact – Bringing together sustainability, inclusion and diversity and creating a focus on generating and measuring the economic, social and environmental impact of the sport. 

These priorities represent the four areas where sailing has huge potential to excel and areas where the sport already leads.

Ready for the Future makes clear that World Sailing’s purpose is to “inspire, empower and grow vibrant sailing communities around the world” with a mission to: “develop sailing as a sport with integrity, sustainability and credibility at its heart, enabling global growth through innovation, backed by robust financial decisions to create lasting legacies for generations to come.” 

In his speech at the Yacht Racing Forum in Amsterdam, World Sailing Chief Executive Officer David Graham said, “Like a sailor, the federation needs a chart to navigate the right course. As the leaders of our sport, we have an obligation to decide where we will concentrate our efforts to have the greatest impact. 

“This strategy will provide guidance and direction to our work as well as clarity for our stakeholders – our national federations, our classes, and everyone involved in sailing. 

“By pursuing the priorities outlined in Ready for the Future, we will ensure World Sailing is ready to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of us whilst being ready for the challenges as we move into the middle decades of the 21st century.” 

Ready for the Future is available for download from the World Sailing website. Read more about World Sailing’s Strategy 2024-2029 here.