World Sailing Outlines Long-Term Priorities

The 2017 World Sailing Mid-Year Meeting is underway in Singapore to bring together the organization’s leaders to discuss, debate, and shape the future of the sport. Here is the recap from May 8:

Participating in meetings yesterday and today are the President, Vice-Presidents, Officers of Honour (non-voting), 28 appointed members (representing each of the regional groups of sailing nations), and representatives of the Offshore Committee, Classes Committee, Athletes’ Commission and a Women’s Representative.

In advance of the Mid-Year meeting, an extensive survey of World Sailing’s Member National Authorities was conducted, giving World Sailing insight into where the long-term priority areas should focus on.

Three areas were proposed for World Sailing to prioritise:
• Establish a more efficient, trustworthy, and attractive organisation by increasing the level of transparency and accountability in World Sailing’s governance.
• Grow the sport globally by offering more opportunities for participation and creating a compelling offering for youth.
• Enhance sailing’s standing in the Olympic Games by increasing participation and growing the global audience.

Addressing the World Sailing Council, President Kim Andersen said, “We have now a survey that the regions and MNA groups can use as a compass that shows us where they want to develop and where World Sailing is heading. We will start working to define the priorities and direction set out by the survey.

“I believe in building an organisation which is truly transparent both in decision making and dialogue. But to do this we need a synchronised operating structure. We should all have immense respect for the World Sailing organisation and we should all have respect for our roles within this international organisation.

“We each play an important part in its operations, and we must ensure that it operates smoothly. This means ensuring that we take the time to ensure that our regulations and processes are working and the dedicated people managing World Sailing are working with us.

“This is the goal, this is the way we are trying to organise and operate. We need more than ever to unite around our sport, to unite around our organization and to unite around each other.

“We need synchronization on all levels if we are to grow our sport and ensure that we continue to have success in the future.”

World Sailing Council received reports from President Kim Andersen, each Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Andy Hunt on the work done following the General Assembly in Barcelona, Spain in November 2016. Furthermore, updates were given on World Sailing’s commercial progress, finances, governance and major upcoming events.

A Committee Chair / Vice Chair meeting will conclude the Mid-Year Meeting on May 9. Meeting details and agenda. The 2017 World Sailing Annual Meeting will be November 3-11 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.