Survey delivers an uncomfortable truth

The 2019 Strategic Review into Women in Sailing explored gender balance and made a case for change to address disparities within the sport. The report identified nine recommendations to balance the playing field, and six years later, the needle hasn’t moved much.

Held over the past six months, The Magenta Project’s 2×25 survey revealed a stark gap between high-profile progress at the top of the sport of sailing and persistent discrimination, exclusion, and inequity across the broader sailing community and marine industry. Sixty-five percent of all respondents report experiencing some form of discrimination.

“The 2×25 Review delivers an uncomfortable truth,” noted Victoria Low, CEO of The Magenta Project. “The look and feel of our sport is changing, but the lived experience for too many people within it is not.

“We’ve seen women compete in the America’s Cup, lead Vendée Globe campaign,s and shape SailGP teams. These moments matter, but our data shows this progress has not yet reached the clubs, the pathways, or the day-to-day culture that shapes whether someone enters our sport, stays, and thrives.”

Sexism remains the most prevalent form, reported by more than 85% of women. While 67% of all respondents see gender imbalance as a significant issue, the picture for women specifically has barely shifted — 75% still believe gender balance is a problem, down from 80% in the World Sailing Trust’s 2019 Strategic Review. For full report, click here.