Singapore set to host 2024 World Sailing Annual Conference

Representatives from across the sailing world, including volunteers, sailors, event organisers, committee members, Member National Authorities (MNAs), Class Associations, boat manufacturers, and the World Sailing Board and Council will convene from 4-9 November at the Suntec Convention Center to review and discuss World Sailing’s strategy for the coming year and beyond, making and ratifying key decisions that will impact sailing at every level, from elite professionals to recreational sailors. 

Decisions made during the week will impact every level of the sport, from elite competition to grassroots. In advance of the Conference, World Sailing received submissions from across the sailing world proposing changes to existing regulations, policies and rules. Committees, MNAs, Class Associations and the Board of Directors were all eligible to propose the submissions in advance of the Annual Conference. 

In a change to this year’s Annual Conference, World Sailing’s Council will meet four times throughout the week to provide more opportunities for Members to interact with the Board before the final meeting on 9 November to approve, reject or defer the recommendations and proposals from the Committees and will ratify proposals at the Annual General Meeting. This includes the Governance reform proposals approved at the 2022 World Sailing Annual Conference, which will be presented for formal approval. 

David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, said, “We are pleased to be able to welcome delegates, Council Members and the World Sailing Board to Singapore for what will be a very important World Sailing Annual Conference. This is a chance to reflect upon one of the busiest years in sailing and look ahead to the next quad with renewed focus. This is a great opportunity for the community to come together, share suggestions for the wider benefit of the entire sport, champion our successes and share ideas for where we can improve, and speak openly about the opportunities and challenges facing the sport we all love. 

“The World Sailing Awards will once again celebrate the very best of the sport, and in a year where the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the 37th America’s Cup, and Youth Sailing World Championships in Lake Garda will all be fresh in the mind, we expect to shine a spotlight on the newly-crowned champions and celebrate the diversity of sailing.” 

World Sailing Presidential, Vice-Presidential, Board and Council elections will also take place during the Annual Conference. Votes will be cast at the General Assembly and World Sailing MNAs will be invited unless not entitled to under Article 12 of the Constitution. 

Further information on the conference, including the submissions, agendas and supporting papers, is available on the World Sailing website. 

The Annual Conference open sessions will be streamed live on the World Sailing YouTube channel. 

World Sailing Awards

The 2024 World Sailing Awards will be held on Tuesday 5 November at CHIJMES Hall. 

The Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards, the ultimate recognition of excellence in sailing, the World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award, Team of the Year will all be awarded, along with the newly-introduced Young World Sailor of the Year Award and World Sailing Technology Award (formerly Boat of the Year). 

The Beppe Croce Trophy and the Presidents’ Development Award will also be presented. 

How to Follow the Annual Conference

Daily updates will be available on the World Sailing website. 

The World Sailing Annual Conference is organised and supported by the Singapore Sailing Federation and the Singapore Tourism Board.