Record number of delegates attend 2024 World Sailing Development Symposium

Taking place at the Suntec Convention Centre in Singapore, 86 attendees, representing 44 World Sailing MNAs, five Class Associations and one Special Event – the Star Sailors League – work together on ways to develop sailing around the world. The symposium saw more than double the individual attendees and attending nations from the 2022 event.

The World Sailing Development Symposium kicked off with a keynote speech from Sally Turner, Head of Communications and Development at the Andrew Simpson Foundation.

Sally gave an overview into the work of the foundation, including their insight and data, partnership work and the impact report from their activities.

Other sessions on day one included the launch of the new National Race Officer Training Program, as well as a panel discussion between four of the Continental Sailing Association presidents, titled ‘Stronger Together: Leveraging Continental Sailing Affiliations.’

The first day ended with the choice of another panel titled ‘Rock Up & Race – The emergence of a new event format’, which discussed supplied equipment and hosting regattas with new formats, alongside a presentation from two MNA Presidents titled ‘Effective MNA Leadership’.

Day two started with a keynote speech from Mohd Afendy Abdullah, Secretary General of the Malaysia Yachting Association. His presentation provided a complete picture of the popularity of the sport and allowed attendees to learn about the development of sailing in the country.

The rest of the day saw an interactive workshop on ‘Making Funding Streams to Rivers’ alongside a presentation from the Barcolana Regatta on what it means to be a truly inclusive regatta. The World Sailing Development Symposium finished with a presentation from Australian Sailing about the role everyone has to play in developing sailing.