World Sailing

Sailing

World Sailing is the global governing body for the sport of sailing, responsible for overseeing the rules, regulations, and development of the sport internationally.

Sport

Sailing

Founded

1907 (117 years ago)

Headquarters

London, United Kingdom

Affiliations

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Summary

World Sailing is the international governing body for the sport of sailing. Established in 1907 as the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU), it was later renamed World Sailing in 2015 to reflect its global reach and inclusivity. It oversees various sailing disciplines, including dinghy racing, yacht racing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.

World Sailing is responsible for setting the rules of sailing, including the Racing Rules of Sailing, which are updated every four years in line with the Olympic cycle. It also organises World Championships and oversees the inclusion of sailing in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With headquarters in London, World Sailing works with over 145 national member authorities and five continental associations. These national bodies are responsible for the promotion and regulation of sailing within their respective countries, while World Sailing provides leadership at the international level, coordinating major events and supporting development initiatives across all levels of the sport.

The federation plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability in sailing, particularly through its focus on clean oceans and environmental stewardship. This emphasis on sustainability is reflected in its partnership with various environmental organisations and its commitment to reducing the sport's ecological impact.

World Sailing’s governance is led by an Executive Committee, which is headed by the president. The General Assembly, which consists of representatives from all member nations, meets every two years to discuss strategic directions and make key decisions.

Disciplines

Olympic

470 (Men's and Women's Two Person Dinghy - World Championships since 1970)
49er (Men's Skiff - World Championships since 2000)
49erFX (Women's Skiff - World Championships since 2013)
Finn (Men’s One Person Dinghy Heavy - World Championships since 1956)
Laser (Men's One Person Dinghy - World Championships since 1980)
Laser Radial (Women's One Person Dinghy - World Championships since 1980)
Nacra 17 (Mixed Multihull - World Championships since 2013)
RS:X (Men's and Women's Windsurfer - World Championships since 2006)

Offshore and Oceanic

Offshore Team Worlds
Star Sailors League
Volvo Ocean Race
Clipper Round the World Race

Youth and Development

29er (High performance youth skiff - World Championships since 2000)
420 (Two Person Dinghy - World Championships since 1970)
Optimist (Youth One Person Dinghy - World Championships since 1962)
Techno 293 (Youth Windsurfer - World Championships since 2006)
RS:X Youth Windsurfer

Para World Sailing

2.4mR (Single-Person Keelboat - World Championships since 1990)
Hansa 303 (Two-Person Keelboat - World Championships since 2008)
SKUD 18 (Two-Person Multihull - World Championships since 2008)

Membership

World Sailing is affiliated with five continental associations, responsible for organising continental championships, supporting their member federations, and representing their interests at World Sailing Board meetings: