World Sailing, the global governing body for the sport of sailing, released its 2025 Impact Report, showcasing progress in social inclusion, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility over the past year. This report builds on the baseline established in the inaugural 2024 report and aligns with World Sailing’s strategy, “Ready for the Future 2025–2029.”
The report highlights achievements in community outreach and partnerships within the global sailing community, alongside monitoring the environmental footprint against established benchmarks. David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, noted, “Our second annual Impact Report reflects a continued dedication to measuring our progress and holding ourselves accountable. We measure success not only by our organisational goals but by the tangible value we create for the global sailing community and the health of our oceans.”
Key highlights from the 2025 Impact Report include:
1. **Social responsibility and inclusion**
– **Youth Emerging Nations Programme (Youth ENP):** Supported 21 athletes from 16 nations (11 female, 10 male), broadening access to high-performance sailing.
– **Inclusive development:** 39 nations from five IPC regions now compete in Para sailing, with the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships involving 124 sailors from 28 nations.
– **Gender equity:** Achieved a 50:50 gender balance on the World Sailing Board and improved female representation in the sport, recording 30% female participants on World Sailing Technical Courses for Coaches.
2. **Environmental stewardship**
– **Carbon reduction:** Achieved a 50% reduction in company carbon footprint compared to 2019 baseline metrics.
– **Clean Regattas:** Expanded Clean Regattas implementation to 219 certified events globally, a 43% increase from 2024.
– **Waste and operations:** Continued reductions in single-use plastics and support vessel emissions at World Sailing sanctioned events.
– **Biodiversity initiatives:** Advanced marine protection efforts through the BENCHES project with various partners.
3. **Strategic and industry alignment**
– **Sustainability Agenda 2030:** Met 17 out of 32 key targets outlined since 2018, ahead of schedule.
– **Alignment maintained with both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Sustainability Strategy and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.**
– **Ongoing sustainability efforts garnered a Highly Commended distinction at the IOC Climate Action Awards in the International Federation category.
Looking forward, Graham added, “By transparently reporting on our progress and challenges, we aim to provide a clear blueprint for Member National Authorities, sailing clubs, and event organisers worldwide. Our impact is driven by collective action across every tier of the sport.”
The 2025 Impact Report reinforces World Sailing’s long-term commitment to ocean health, inclusion, and accountability as the sport moves towards its 2030 goals. The full World Sailing 2025 Impact Report is available to view and download from the World Sailing website.
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