Meager support from Paris 2024 classes

Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, World Sailing asks all nations, classes, and events to suspend the participation of Russian or Belarusian athletes and officials in their respective events and competitions.

World Sailing took this step to be in agreement with the stance taken by the International Olympic Committee, though of the classes selected for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, only the International Kiteboarding Association has published online their intentions to support these measures.

As of March 1, there was no mention of the conflict, nor actions to be taken, on the class websites for the ILCA 6 and 7, 470, 49er and 49erFX, Nacra 17, or iQFoil. However, here are updates from classes that once were in the Olympics but have since been removed:

International Finn Association (IFA):
Effective March 1, 2022 and until further notice, IFA will not accept athletes or officials from Russia or Belarus in any major IFA event (Finn Gold Cup, Finn Open Europeans, Finn World Masters, Finn European Masters, Finn Silver Cup) and recommends the same for other international events outside the control of IFA.

Furthermore, during this time IFA will not run any class related activities in Russia or Belarus nor cooperate with any Russian or Belarusian entity.

IFA would like to stress this is announced with a heavy heart due to the extreme circumstances and hopes that all sailors remain safe and will be welcome again soon. IFA will continue to monitor the situation and adjust the advice as appropriate.

International Dragon Association (IDA):
The IDA has suspended participation of Russian sailors and officials from all international sailing events including World Sailing owned and sanctioned competitions and events until further notice. This includes the European Championship, the World Championship, the Gold Cup and all Grand Prix events 2022.

By implementing these measures, the IDA is following World Sailing guidance in supporting a united and coordinated approach within the global sports movement. This decision is in line with the IOC Executive Board’s protocols aimed at preserving the integrity of competitions and ensuring the safety of all athletes.

We ask all sailors to respect each other during these difficult times, and wish to state that the IDA denounces any defamatory statements made against any of our fellow sailors regardless of their nationality. We look forward to an immediate end to all hostilities and we hope for a time in the near future when we can compete again together.

International Star Class:
World Sailing asked the Star Class to take action and suspend Russian and Belarus athletes from participating in our International Competitions. In an effort to keep members fully informed, the Star Class’ International Governing Committee will meet March 6, 2022 and take this matter under advisement.