World Sailing's inaugural Impact Report charts a new course for a sustainable future in sport

World Sailing's inaugural Impact Report charts a new course for a sustainable future in sport © World Sailing

World Sailing, the global governing body for the sport of sailing, today released its first Impact Report, a comprehensive overview of the federation's significant progress in environmental sustainability and social contribution.

The inaugural 2024 report builds on the 2023 Sustainability Report, directly aligning with commitments made in the World Sailing strategy Ready for the Future 2025-2029.

The World Sailing Impact Report 2024 details the meaningful progress made through environmental and social initiatives to create a more inclusive and accessible sport. It provides transparent data on the environmental footprint of World Sailing events, highlights successful community outreach programmes, and showcases partnerships that are driving positive change off the water.

"The launch of our first Impact Report is a landmark moment for World Sailing and the global sailing community," said David Graham, CEO of World Sailing.

"This is our impact P&L. As outlined in our strategy Ready for the Future, we remain committed to firm business principles, but we will measure the success - or otherwise - of World Sailing by the value we create for our global sailing community and track our positive impact on the sport of sailing. It represents our unwavering commitment to our role as stewards of the marine environment and our dedication to leveraging our sport's unique platform for the good of society.

"This report is not just a reflection of past achievements; it shows that sailing will keep evolving - with cleaner technology, greater inclusivity and stronger purpose. We are setting a baseline from which we will measure our future success and hold ourselves accountable to the millions of sailors and fans we represent."

Key highlights from the 2024 Impact Report include:

• Environmental Stewardship: An 11% reduction in carbon footprint against the 2019 baseline. Clean Regattas increased by 17% to 153 events. Successful implementation of sustainability plans at major championships, lead to a reduction in single-use plastics and a 29% reduction in support boats used at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games compared to Tokyo 2020. The report also details World Sailing's continued efforts for IUCN Sport for Nature through the BENCHES project and The America's Cup biodiversity project.

• Social Responsibility: Stefano Peschiera of Peru, one of a record 26 athletes supported by the World Sailing Emerging Nations Programme, won his nation's first Olympic sailing medal. Our Inclusive Development Programme reached 163 participants across 34 countries. Steering the Course, World Sailing's plan to support women in sailing, set a clear road map to achieve created gender equity within the sport.

• Strategic Alignment: Three of the targets in World Sailing's Sustainability Agenda 2030, were met in 2024 alone. Sustainability Agenda 2030 is closely aligned with both the International Olympic Committee's sustainability goals and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Alexandra Rickham, World Sailing's Director of Sustainability, commented, "Our sport is intrinsically linked to the health of the ocean. The 2024 Impact Report provides a vital framework for our sustainability journey. By transparently reporting on our initiatives—from waste management at regattas to our educational programmes—we are not only showcasing what is possible but also creating a blueprint for our Member National Authorities, sailing clubs, and event organisers to follow. This is about collective action and creating a lasting, positive legacy for future generations of sailors."

The release of the Impact Report marks the beginning of a new chapter for World Sailing, reinforcing its mission to grow the sport while making a positive contribution to the planet. The federation will use the findings to guide future decision-making, enhance its sustainability programmes, and further embed its values into every aspect of its operations.