Encouraging sailors to ‘Give to Gain’

Steering the Course, World Sailing’s global women’s sailing festival, is back this year with two opportunities to celebrate and promote women’s sailing, inspire women and girls to discover the sport, and bring the community together.

The first festival takes place from May 22-31, 2026, while the second runs from September 25 to October 4, 2026, offering sailors, clubs, and organizations around the world the ideal opportunity to support women in sailing and share the magic of a life on the water.

For its sixth edition, this year’s Steering the Course connects directly with the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain’ – a reminder that everyone benefits when we offer support, mentorship and opportunities.

In sailing, ‘Give to Gain’, means supporting more women and girls to discover their potential, progressing their skills, and stepping into roles as athletes, coaches, race officials and leaders.

“Steering the Course is all about opening doors and creating opportunities, and this year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain’, really captures the spirit of what makes our community so special,” said Fiona Kidd, Head of International Development.

“When we give our time, our expertise, and our encouragement, we don’t just support others, we strengthen our sport as a whole. Every activity delivered, every new participant welcomed, and every story shared helps build a more inclusive and vibrant future for sailing. I encourage all our members to get involved, contribute what they can, and be part of something truly impactful.”

World Sailing has awarded technical courses as part of this year’s Steering the Course. Iceland will host a Race Officer Course Level 1 session while a Technical Course for Coaches Level 1 will be held in Brazil.

Alongside this, events organized in South Africa, Bolivia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Hong Kong, China, will help to further raise awareness of the opportunities for women and girls to discover sailing and to progress through the sport.

This year will mark the sixth year that Sailability Hong Kong has contributed to Steering the Course. As one of the original supporters, the organization has introduced over 6500 women to sailing through the festival.

• More details about this year’s events are available on the Steering the Course Events Calendar.
• More information about Steering the Course 2026 is available on the World Sailing website.

Source: World Sailing