Sailing's global governing body has published new Portrayal Guidelines aimed at ensuring fair and respectful representation of athletes across media, official communications, and digital channels.
The guidelines set practical standards for media professionals, broadcasters, event organisers, and member national authorities. The core focus is eliminating gender bias, achieving balanced coverage, and dismantling historical stereotypes in sports reporting. The principles are also intended to apply to other underrepresented groups within the sport.
Coverage volume, the framing of digital content, and the removal of patronising or trivialising terminology are among the specific areas addressed. Standards for language usage, photography, and broadcast camera angles are also set out, all directed at keeping attention on athletic achievement, technical skill, and competitor determination regardless of gender.
Alexandra Rickham, World Sailing's Director of Sustainability, called the launch "an important moment for our sport." She said sailing's history of mixed-gender competition made it vital that promotion of the sport "reflects the true professionalism and athletic excellence of all our competitors," adding that the guidelines "are not just about words and images; they are about fostering a culture of respect and equity that can inspire the next generation of sailors worldwide."
Rickham also noted that while gender is the primary focus, "many of the ideas in the guidelines can also be used to support other underrepresented groups in the sport."
The timing is deliberate. LA28 Olympic Qualification events, the 2027 World Sailing Championships, and World Sailing Special Events are all on the horizon, and World Sailing will work with partners and stakeholders over the coming months to embed the guidelines across all major championships and international regattas.
The complete guidelines are available for download from the World Sailing website, alongside supporting resources to help media teams adopt the new protocols straight away.
