Conference Program (draft) 2026

Opening keynote presentation followed by a Q&A with the audience.

Sam Watson is Chief Executive Officer of North Technology Group, which employs more than 3,600 people across 40 countries and owns North Sails, Doyle Sails, Quantum Sails, Southern Spars, Future Fibres, Hall Spars, North Kiteboarding, Mystic and North Sails Apparel.

The CEO of World Sailing shares the latest insights from the organisation’s annual conference in Shanghai, and explores how to make sailing more accessible to a broader global audience.

Industry leaders discuss the current state of the sailing industry and examine how geopolitical and economic dynamics are shaping the sport. The session will explore the global context and its impact on the sport of sailing.

• Philip Easthill, Secretary General · European Boating Industry
• Victoria Low, CEO, The Magenta Project
• Sam Watson, CEO, North Technology Group

Dan Jaspers will chair this session and discuss how to attract more people to the sport by addressing its key barriers, clarifying accessible pathways, and overcoming the perception that sailing is difficult or intimidating to join.

• Luisa Bambozzi , Managing Director at CLUBSWAN RACING
• Job Holt, Head of Sixth Form at Greig City Academy & Trustee, Scaramouche Sailing Trust

How can sailing become more accessible, more fun and better adapted to modern audiences without losing its identity? This session will explore how sailing can become more attractive by rethinking not only race formats, but the entire event experience. Discussions will address shorter and more dynamic racing, smarter use of weather forecasting to avoid long waiting periods, stronger communication and digital storytelling, as well as onshore entertainment and fan engagement.

• Andraz Mihelin, CEO, Seascape, and consultant Beneteau

This session will explore how to design and deliver successful events that balance sporting, commercial and audience objectives, meet sponsor and stakeholder expectations, ensure operational excellence, maximise media impact, and draw key lessons from successful events.

How operational requirements, safety expectations and performance demands for chase boats have evolved in recent years

This panel discussion will explore how host venues can maximise economic, tourism and international visibility benefits from sailing events, leverage them to develop local sailing ecosystems, infrastructure and community engagement, and turn hosting into long-term value through partnerships, legacy planning and repeat event attraction.

After washing a boat, detergents, oils and residues flow directly into the water with no treatment, impacting marine ecosystems. These chemicals can harm marine life and trigger algal blooms that deplete oxygen.
The purpose of this presentation is to explore practical solutions—from eco-friendly products to better marina infrastructure and habits—to significantly reduce this impact.

By Luca Manzoni, CEO, Nuncas

A panel of key industry specialists discuss how to secure sponsor commitment in a challenging economic environment and what truly drives investment decisions in a constrained market — from ROI and brand alignment to measurable impact — offering practical insights for a wide range of stakeholders, from sailors to event organisers, host venues and yacht clubs.

• Emma Hendy, Chief Commercial Officer, Doyle Sails International
• Andrew Lamb, Director, Partnership, Development, The Ocean Race

Matthew Sheahan welcomes to the stage the driving forces behind some of the world’s fastest, most spectacular and best-built race boats launched this year, showcasing the cutting edge of yacht design and performance.

• Ferrari Hypersail
• RAVEN – Baltic Yachts
• Palanad 4

The iconic Sailor’s Night