A new system to strengthen community input into World Sailing's Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) has been launched, opening direct communication channels between the global offshore sailing community and the bodies that govern the rules.
The initiative connects to two existing World Sailing strategic frameworks, "Navigating Offshore" and "Ready for the Future", both of which flagged the need for broader engagement in the regulatory process. The aim is to keep offshore sailors, manufacturers, and event organisers better informed and more directly involved as the OSR evolves.
Matt Allen, Chair of World Sailing's Offshore and Oceanic Committee, describes it as a two-way channel. "Both Navigating Offshore and Ready for the Future identified the need to encourage further engagement in the governance process, and by initiating this two-way channel we are able to keep the offshore community informed and involved in changes to the Offshore Special Regulations. Discussions around rules, regulations, equipment and governance of the discipline will help to modernise the sport and deliver a better service for sailors."
James Dadd, Chair of World Sailing's Special Regulations Sub-Committee, acknowledged the tension inherent in updating the OSR. "Development of Offshore Special Regulations treads a fine line between improving safety and controlling complexity and costs," he said, adding that stakeholder input "not only ensures that their voices are heard and incorporated into considerations and decisions, it also ensures that stakeholders get insight into the developments and processes that result in changes to this important document for our sport."
In practical terms, the initiative has two components. Stakeholders can sign up to a mailing list to receive email notifications whenever new proposals are submitted, and again when changes are formally approved by the Oceanic and Offshore Committee.
The second element is an online feedback form, giving sailors, manufacturers, organising authorities and other industry stakeholders a direct line to share insights with World Sailing. Submissions will inform both the Special Regulations Sub-Committee and the Oceanic and Offshore Committee as they weigh future proposals.
