Impact of technology in offshore sailing

Impact of technology in offshore sailing

The World Sailing Oceanic and Offshore Committee (OOC) is to undertake a global survey of the offshore racing community to seek views on the impact on the sport of developing technology. The consultation follows several years of broad discussion within offshore sailing about the implications of developing technology for the sport, in relation to human endeavor in sailing.

The OOC has been considering these issues since November 2021. More recently, an Offshore Organizers Forum was held in November 2025, with both virtual and physical attendance, providing an opportunity for organizers and stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing offshore racing.

World Sailing has received several proposals relating to these issues, leading to the federation deciding to seek views from a wide range of stakeholders.

The challenge of new technology is not unique to sailing. Other sports, including motor racing, golf, and cycling, have faced comparable questions about the appropriate role and limits of technology in competition.

While views on the appropriate regulatory approach have varied, there has been broad recognition that the sport is approaching a significant issue that requires careful consideration. The survey will therefore seek to provide World Sailing with a broad and representative picture of the views and priorities of the offshore community.

Consultation before decisions The OOC intends to take the necessary time to ensure that the survey is carefully designed and capable of producing meaningful, high-quality results. No fixed timetable has yet been established for the survey, as the priority is to ensure that the consultation is comprehensive and that its findings can properly inform future decisions.

“Technology has always been part of sailing and innovation is an important part of our sport,” said Matt Allen, Chair of the Oceanic and Offshore Committee. “What has been particularly clear is that people recognize the importance of the issue, but many are asking for more time and wider consultation before decisions are taken.

“This survey is an opportunity for sailors, owners, crews, Classes, Rating Systems, and Organizing Authorities to have their voices heard. We want to understand the views of the people who participate in, invest in, and organize offshore racing before determining the best way forward.”

The OOC believes that a global consultation will help establish a strong evidence base for future consideration by World Sailing and enable the sport to work collectively towards an approach that protects participation, investment, competition, and human endeavor, while recognizing the continuing evolution of technology.

Further details of the survey, including how stakeholders can participate, will be announced once the consultation has been finalized. Following the survey, World Sailing will publish a report on the results.

Proposals related to this topic, including CO-2026-19, and other matters related to the work of the Oceanic and Offshore Committee, can be accessed via the proposals portal on the World Sailing website.

Editor’s note: We suspect the above announcement by World Sailing is in response to criticism outlined in commentary by Storm Trysail Club Commodore Andrew Weiss.