World Sailing approves Olympic changes

World Sailing has approved its Olympic Vision document which outlines the streamlining of events through 2032.

In line with recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it was agreed that the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar would feature four events – men's windsurfing, women's windsurfing, men's board and women's board – and a quota of 96 athletes.

The changes were passed with 97 percent of the vote at a meeting of the World Sailing Council during the 2023 World Sailing Annual Conference in Malaga, Spain last week.

Amendments to World Sailing's "safeguarding policy", which will establish a more robust safety framework throughout the sport, were also approved, with 100 percent of the vote.

World Sailing CEO David Graham said: "This week you will have heard about our progress on the Olympic Vision. This important document will help us come together as a sport and further strengthen our contribution to the Olympic Movement.

"It has been fantastic to have over 300 of our members from the around the world with us in Malaga this week. We are blessed to have such a dedicated stakeholder group, the achievements spanned from safeguarding policies approved to celebrating the great champions of our sport, and pioneers making a difference in sustainability."

Council also passed a proposal to allow a split World Sailing Championships, which will provide greater flexibility in hosting events in multiple venues and to also include additional events where appropriate. The motion was approved with unanimous support. The new policy will begin at the next World Sailing Championships, scheduled to be held before 2028.

In addition, governance reform was rubber-stamped at the meeting. Following approval at last year's Annual Conference of a new constitution to be implemented at the beginning of 2025, a number of preparatory regulatory changes were submitted for Council approval.

The General Assembly Rules of Procedure, Council Rules of Procedure, 23 Terms of Reference for Committees and Sub-Committees, amendments to the Disciplinary and Ethics Regulations, Anti-Doping Rules and the Betting and Anti-Corruption Code were all voted on, unanimously approved and greeted with applause.

World Sailing President Li Quanhai told the meeting: "Governance reform is a priority for the World Sailing Board and Executive Office. After passing the motion to reform our structure at last year's Annual Conference we have made excellent progress towards developing the proposal.

"I would like to thank everyone involved in the process and we will continue the hard work ahead of implementation next year."