Putting your thumb on the scale

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
I have my gripes with the World Sailing Awards. What’s new? The 2025 edition was held November 5 in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland. The ceremony, promoted as a live event on social media, wasn’t too live unless that meant hitting refresh for text updates.

The international federation hosts the presentation at its annual conference, which closed nominations on September 30. Achievements this fall will be forgotten next year (if considered at all).

I was on the jury once, perhaps not invited back because I kept reminding people how accomplishments had to occur within the nomination period. Others weighed lifetime success. Lame!

My biggest gripe is how a public vote contributes to the winning decision of six prominent awards. This approach is great for heightening awareness, which the sponsors want but is irresponsible for selection. Popularity and self-promotion should not be factors for the most esteemed awards in the sport.

Did that sway the results? With 12 billion Optimist sailors in the world (or so), it’s hard to beat the kid that won the Class World Championship. Why does World Sailing bother to promote the jury qualifications of its “11 global sports experts” when the other half of the vote is done by literally anyone?

For the full list of award winners, click here.