Guiding offshore sailing into the future

World Sailing revealed a new comprehensive strategy for offshore sailing, with the document ‘Navigating Offshore’ to provide a clear and ambitious roadmap to support the growth, sustainability, and global coordination of the discipline.

This effort fulfills an organizational strategy, Ready for the Future, which was launched in 2024 to guide the sport forward, with this new plan recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities within offshore and oceanic sailing.

While empowering all stakeholders to further develop offshore sailing, it aims to support lifelong participation as well as lifelong opportunities for entry into the sport for sailors from grassroots sailing to the pinnacle of round-the-world challenges, while promoting the highest standards of safety and sportsmanship.

The plan is structured around four priorities:
• Clear governance – because, rules must work for the sport, not the other way around.
• Empowered stakeholders – because giving offshore sailing the best chance to prosper means our global sailing community must be supported to play its part.
• Increased visibility – because offshore sailing showcases the best values of our sport.
• Financial balance – because providing a good service requires the right resources.

“The launch of Navigating Offshore is a landmark moment for our sport,” reports David Graham, World Sailing CEO. “This plan establishes the framework we need to harness that passion and empower the offshore community to grow We are committed to working with our Member National Authorities, class associations, Rating Systems, and event organizers to build a vibrant and sustainable future for the discipline.”

Matt Allen, Chair of the Oceanic and Offshore Committee, adds, “Navigating Offshore was developed with the support of the Oceanic and Offshore Committee and represents a strong step forward for World Sailing. The publication of this plan means the oceanic and offshore community, who are a vital part of our sport, now have a document which outlines what they can expect from their international federation.”

For the full Navigating Offshore strategy, click here.

Source: World Sailing