The 2025 World Sailing Annual Conference has commenced in the historic maritime town of Dún Laoghaire, with over 400 international delegates in attendance to discuss significant issues affecting the sport.
This event gathers key stakeholders, including Member National Authorities (MNAs), Class Associations, sailors, event organisers, and marine industry representatives, for a week of crucial meetings that will culminate in the World Sailing Council meeting and the General Assembly on 8 November.
This year’s agenda is particularly significant, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Essential decisions will shape the strategic direction of sailing, including matters related to Olympic sailing, advancements in the Para Inclusive Strategy, and the ongoing Sustainability Agenda 2030.
David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, remarked, “The Annual Conference is the most important week in our calendar, where the global sailing family comes together to collectively steer the future of our sport. This is a special occasion to champion our successes, speak openly about challenges, and create new opportunities for growth. We are thrilled to be back in Dún Laoghaire, a town with a rich sailing heritage, to make critical decisions that will impact sailing at every level.”
Councillor Jim Gildea, An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, expressed pride in welcoming the global sailing community back to the town, highlighting its enduring connection to the sea and commitment to innovation and inclusivity in sport.
A notable outcome of this year’s conference will be the election of two new Vice Presidents to the World Sailing Board, achieving a milestone of a 50/50 gender split with four male and four female Vice Presidents.
Hosted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Irish Sailing, this event marks a return to the Irish town, which previously hosted the conference in 2012.
The week includes the prestigious World Sailing Awards and concludes with the 2025 Development Symposium.
Open sessions of the conference will be streamed live on the World Sailing YouTube channel, allowing the global sailing community to follow the discussions.
#WorldSailing #DúnLaoghaire #SailingConference #SailingCommunity #Sustainability #Inclusivity
