Sailors have just under a year to get across changes to the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List, which comes into force on 1 January 2027.
The update applies to everyone bound by World Sailing's anti-doping rules, not just competitors. Coaches, medical staff and support personnel all carry the same responsibility to know what has changed.
Most of the 2027 revisions sharpen definitions rather than overhaul the rules. Updated scientific definitions and clearer guidance around common substance classes are designed to help athletes and their teams correctly identify what is and isn't permitted.
A few specific shifts stand out.
Under cannabinoids (S8), the list now reflects current science on substances with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-like effects, with several new examples added to illustrate the point. For glucocorticoids (S9), vaginal administration has been added as a permitted route. Beta-blockers (P1) have been harmonised among International Federations regarding sports disciplines.
Further clarifications have been worked into non-approved substances (S0), hormone and metabolic modulators (S4), diuretics and masking agents (S5), and cannabinoids generally, all aimed at helping athletes and their entourage identify prohibited substances.
On the Monitoring Program, several substances have been removed after enough data was gathered to show they do not currently represent an anti-doping concern.
One area remains unresolved for now. GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, stay unchanged for 2027. World Sailing is holding off pending further data on their possible effects on athletes.
Antonio Cozzolino, World Sailing's General Counsel, pointed to the organisation's broader stance on the issue.
"World Sailing is firmly committed to its 'I Sail Pure' initiative and to clean, fair competition," he said. "The WADA Prohibited List amendments clarify the requirements for several controlled substances and methods. We remind all stakeholders that they are responsible for understanding and complying with these changes."
He was direct about where responsibility sits.
"Global anti-doping rules follow the principle of 'strict liability'. Individuals are accountable for any banned substance in their system or prohibited method used, regardless of how it occurred or whether they intended to cheat. Ignorance is not a defence, so World Sailing is alerting stakeholders to the updated Prohibited List well in advance."
There's a practical note for anyone racing at the top level. International athletes, including those competing at Olympic events, Youth World Championships, World Sailing Championships, World Sailing Inclusion Championships, the America's Cup, and The Ocean Race, need Therapeutic Use Exemptions issued directly by World Sailing.
Athletes already holding a TUE from their National Anti-Doping Organisation must still forward a copy to World Sailing.
More detail sits in the Anti-Doping section of the World Sailing website. Questions, TUE applications, or requests for further information can go to medical@sailing.org.
