Balancing offshore safety and complexity

As the sport of sailing evolves, it has often become more complex. Offhsore sailing has felt this trend, and while the value of safety can never be diminished, participation now requires more gear and instruction. As has been said in this publication before:

• When the cost in time and money to participate exceeds the pleasurable benefit, people seek alternative activities.
• Better isn’t always best, as the natural inclination for improvement slowly eliminates those that choose not to chase the rising bar.
• We are capable of evolving toward extinction.

World Sailing is trying to do something about this.

In line with the key objectives identified in World Sailing’s strategy Ready for the Future and Navigating Offshore, World Sailing’s plan to support offshore sailing, a new system has been established to enhance the development of the Offshore Special Regulations (OSR).

This initiative aims to promote collaboration and increase direct engagement across the offshore sailing community.

“We identified the need to encourage further engagement in the governance process, and by initiating this two-way channel we are able to keep the offshore community informed and involved in changes to the Offshore Special Regulations,” noted Matt Allen, Chair of World Sailing’s Offshore and Oceanic Committee.

“Discussions around rules, regulations, equipment and governance of the discipline will help to modernize the sport and deliver a better service for sailors.”

James Dadd, Chair of World Sailing’s Special Regulations Sub-Committee, added, “Development of Offshore Special Regulations treads a fine line between improving safety and controlling complexity and costs.

“Input from stakeholders not only ensures that their voices are heard and incorporated into considerations and decisions, it also ensures that stakeholders get insight into the developments and processes that result in changes to this important document for our sport.”

Stakeholders from across the industry are now invited to sign up for direct email notifications. By joining the mailing list, they will receive timely updates whenever new proposals are submitted, as well as notifications when changes to the OSR are approved by the Oceanic and Offshore Committee.

Additionally, a new online feedback form will give sailors, manufacturers, organizing authorities, and wider industry stakeholders the chance to share valuable insights directly with World Sailing, helping inform both the Special Regulations Sub-Committee and the Oceanic and Offshore Committee as they consider future proposals.