Conference Program (draft) 2026

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 sailing, while also assessing how the sport can — or could — benefit from support from European institutions.

How can we 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?

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.

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.

The iconic Sailor’s Night, in partnership with Metstrade