The Spanish city of Malaga hosts the 2023 World Sailing annual conference from 13-18 November 2023, bringing together delegates from around the world to help shape the future of the sport.

Over 300 delegates, volunteers, committee members and the World Sailing board and council convene from today to review and discuss World Sailing’s strategy for the coming year and beyond, making and ratifying key decisions that will impact sailing at every level, from elite professionals to recreational sailors.

Delegates include sailors, event organisers, Member National Authorities (MNAs), committee members, Class Associations, boat manufacturers, athletes and representatives from World Sailing’s partners.

World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing. Decisions made during the week will impact every level of the sport, from elite competition to grassroots. Before the conference, World Sailing received 189 submissions proposing changes to World Sailing’s regulations, policies and rules. Committees, MNAs, class associations and the board of directors were all eligible to propose the submissions before the conference.

World Sailing’s council will meet on 15 and 18 November 2023 to approve, reject or defer the recommendations and proposals from the committees. It will ratify proposals at the annual general meeting on Saturday (18 November), the final meeting of the annual conference.

“As we look ahead to a very important year for the sport of sailing, I am delighted to be able to welcome delegates to the wonderful city of Málaga for the 2023 World Sailing annual conference,” says David Graham, CEO of World Sailing.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together, share suggestions to improve the sport, reflect upon our successes and where we can improve, and speak openly about the opportunities and challenges facing the sport we all love.

“With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the 37th America’s Cup on the horizon next year, the Youth Sailing World Championships still to come this year, and events around the world showcasing the diversity of sailing, this year’s annual conference takes on extra significance, and I look forward to a week of fruitful discussions with representatives from across the sport.”

At the 2022 AGM in Abu Dhabi, World Sailing voted overwhelmingly, with a 93.85 per cent majority, to approve changes to its governance structure and modernise its constitution. The changes will be implemented from 2024 AGM.

Further information on the conference, including the submissions, agendas and supporting papers, is available on the World Sailing website.

World Sailing Awards

The 2023 World Sailing Awards are being held on Tuesday 14 November.

The Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards will be the highlight of the evening. The World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award, Team of the Year and Boat of the Year will all be awarded. Boat of the Year, the Beppe Croce Trophy and the Presidents’ Development Award will also be presented.

Main image courtesy of World Sailing.

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