Closure for 2023 Annual Conference

The sport’s governance and Olympic vision were among the topics for over 300 members from around the world at the 2023 World Sailing Annual Conference on November 13-18 in Málaga, Spain.

The World Sailing Council met on the final to receive a series of reports from each of the committees and address members regarding the direction of the sport and its priorities in the coming year.

Following the approval at last year’s Annual Conference of a new Constitution to be implemented at the beginning of 2025, a number of preparatory Regulatory changes were submitted for Council approval.

The General Assembly Rules of Procedure, Council Rules of Procedure, 23 Terms of Reference for Committees and Sub-Committees, amendments to the Disciplinary and Ethics Regulations, Anti-Doping Rules and the Betting and Anti-Corruption Code were all voted on, unanimously approved and greeted with applause.

Vice President Philip Baum, chair of the Governance Working Party, set out a plan for further consultation and development of governance documents ahead of the 2024 Annual Conference.

“Governance reform is a priority for the World Sailing Board and Executive Office,” said World Sailing President Quanhai Li. “After passing the motion to reform our structure at last year’s Annual Conference, we have made excellent progress towards developing the proposal.”

High on the agenda was a motion to approve the Olympic Vision document which outlines the roadmap for sailing in Olympic classes through to 2032. The document, which had been discussed in the various committee meetings throughout Annual Conference, was passed with 97% approval.

“This important document will help us come together as a sport and further strengthen our contribution to the Olympic Movement,” said World Sailing CEO David Graham.

In line with the International Olympic Committee’s recommendations to streamline events, it was agreed that the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar would feature four events – Men’s Windsurfing, Women’s Windsurfing, Men’s Board, and Women’s Board – and a quota of 96 athletes. Equipment will be finalized by a Working Party appointed by the Events Committee. This proposal passed with 100% acceptance.

Amendments to the World Sailing Safeguarding Policy to establish a more robust framework throughout the sport were also approved with 100% of the vote.

Council also voted on the proposal to allow a split World Sailing Championships, which would provide greater flexibility in hosting the events in multiple venues and to also include additional events where appropriate. The motion was approved with unanimous support. The new policy will begin at the next World Sailing Championships, scheduled to be held before 2028.

All submissions and reports are available to view and download on the World Sailing website.

The 2023 conference had 52 Member National Authorities represented, with the 2024 World Sailing Annual Conference to be held in Singapore.

Source: World Sailing