World Sailing has opened applications from Member National Authorities (MNAs) interested in hosting a women’s Steering the Course technical course for coaches, race officials, judges, umpires, and measurers. This follows five years of progress within the initiative, which connects directly with the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain’. This theme highlights the benefits of offering support, mentorship, and opportunities, particularly in sailing, where it is vital to encourage women and girls in discovering their potential, enhancing their skills, and stepping into roles as athletes, coaches, and leaders.
Information on Technical Courses for Coaches can be found here.
Details regarding courses for Race Officials, Judges, Umpires, and Measurers can be found here.
The deadline to apply to host a Steering the Course Technical Course is Friday 10 April. The application form is available here.
According to Fiona Kidd, World Sailing’s Head of International Development, “Building technical capacity for women in our sport is a critical priority of the Steering the Course strategy. Where introductory sessions open the door, technical courses and structured development opportunities help steer women further along the pathway into leadership roles, into performance positions, into positions of influence.”
In 2025, World Sailing successfully hosted a variety of clinics and courses, including a women’s Judges Clinic in Brazil and a National Race Officer Level 1 in Algeria. For 2026, in addition to several planned Technical Courses, World Sailing will host two Steering the Course festivals:
- 22–31 May
- 25 September-4 October
These events allow clubs, training centres, national organisations, and MNAs the flexibility to organise activities that fit local calendars and communities. Proposed activities include fleet taster days, women-only regattas, race coaching clinics, officiating workshops, and community gatherings, all aimed at increasing access, visibility, and opportunity.
Since its inception, Steering the Course has been widely embraced by sailors and organisations globally, ranging from local clubs to national governing bodies.
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