World Sailing has published its 2025 Impact Report, charting measurable progress on social inclusion, environmental performance, and organisational accountability — and the numbers are worth a close look.
The report sits within the federation's five-year strategy, Ready for the Future 2025–2029, and builds on the baseline established in last year's inaugural edition. CEO David Graham set the tone plainly: "Our second annual Impact Report reflects a continued dedication to measuring our progress and holding ourselves accountable. As outlined in our strategy 'Ready for the Future', we measure success not only by our organisational goals, but by the tangible value we create for the global sailing community and the health of our oceans."
On inclusion, the headline figure is a 50:50 gender balance now achieved on the World Sailing board. Below that, the Youth Emerging Nations Programme supported 21 athletes from 16 nations, split almost evenly between 11 female and 10 male. Para sailing draws competitors from 39 nations across five IPC regions, and the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships brought together 124 sailors from 28 nations. Female participation in World Sailing Technical Courses for Coaches came in at 30%.
The environmental figures carry more weight. Carbon emissions are down 50% against the 2019 baseline. The Clean Regattas certification programme expanded to 219 events globally, up 43% on the previous year.
Reductions in single-use plastics and support vessel emissions have continued across sanctioned events. Marine biodiversity work has advanced through the BENCHES project, whose partners include SL Benfica, World Athletics, the International Biathlon Union, the Italian Canoe Kayak Federation, the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, and Touchline.
At the IOC Climate Action Awards, World Sailing received a Highly Commended distinction in the International Federation category. Since 2018, the federation has met 17 of its 32 targets under the Sustainability Agenda 2030, ahead of schedule.
Graham was direct about the report's purpose. "By transparently reporting on our progress and challenges, we aim to provide a clear blueprint for Member National Authorities, sailing clubs, and event organisers worldwide," he said. "Our impact is driven by collective action across every tier of the sport."
The full 2025 Impact Report is available on the World Sailing website.
