World Sailing incident reporting system helps implement new best practices in and out of competition

The Incident Reporting System allows all incidents at organised or recognised events, training prior to a World Sailing event to be logged, as well as during any training or racing run by a World Sailing Member National Authority (MNA) including on land or in the boat park as well as on the water. 

This information is used to build a global database of safety incidents across all disciplines and give event organisers and class associations greater responsibility for sailors and officials at each event.  

World Sailing is in a unique position to collect information, monitor trends and implement updated safety regulations. As part of World Sailing’s focus on safety, the information collected will contribute to sharing of best practice across the wider sailing community.  

An incident does not need to result in injury to be reported but can extend to keel loss, collisions, grounding, as well as highlighting potential issues and near misses. A growing recent trend has been contact with mega-fauna, such as whales and other marine life. As an equipment-based sport, equipment failure poses many potential risks. While an exciting and quickly developing area of the sport, foiling brings its own safety challenges and World Sailing is interested to learn more of the challenges and risks posed to both sailor and race organisers. 

The data will be used to refine events and equipment, modify safety protocols and build a comprehensive, searchable record of all incidents without apportioning blame for the benefit of the entire sport. 

For more information about incident reporting please visit the World Sailing website. To report an incident please use the Incident Reporting Form.