World Sailing has set out how national sailing bodies can apply for boats and gear under its new Equipment Development Programme, run in partnership with FarEast.
The scheme rests on FarEast's commitment to supply boats and equipment to World Sailing's global events, development projects and grassroots growth initiatives. It is aimed squarely at nations still building their sailing base, rather than established programmes, with Oceania among the first regions in line.
Only Emerging Nations qualify. These are Member National Authorities (MNAs) classed as either "Resourced but not developed" or "Not resourced and not developed". Eligible MNAs in those categories will be invited to apply, but not all at once.
The rollout happens in phases, region by region. Africa and Oceania go first, with application information due to reach eligible MNAs in November 2026. Central America and the Caribbean follow in January 2027, with Asia and South America scheduled for March 2027.
Eligible Emerging Nation MNAs in Africa and Oceania will receive the detailed Programme Information Pack and Application Form directly from World Sailing. The later regional dates are indicative only; each round starts once the previous application and selection process wraps up, depending on equipment availability and any operational or logistical needs.
Applicants won't simply be handed boats. World Sailing will assess proposals against the programme's eligibility and development criteria, including the proposed development programme, coaching and delivery capacity, facilities, financial and logistical readiness, and the ability to sustain the programme over a three-year period.
Following assessment, World Sailing will select the MNAs that receive equipment through each application round. Applicants must demonstrate how the equipment will be used, managed and maintained, and how it will support an ongoing development programme.
Equipment provided through the programme will be supplied as value-in-kind sponsorship.
Successful MNAs will carry all costs associated with receiving the equipment once it leaves the FarEast factory, including shipping, import duties, applicable local taxes and other delivery-related costs. Recipient MNAs will also be responsible for the ongoing storage and maintenance of the equipment, delivery of the proposed development programme, and participation in World Sailing's programme monitoring and reporting process.
The Programme Information Pack will provide further detail on eligibility, the application process, assessment criteria, MNA responsibilities and programme requirements. Information for subsequent regional application rounds will go directly to eligible MNAs according to the indicative rollout outlined above.
Further information about the Equipment Development Programme is available by contacting training@sailing.org.
