World Sailing Race Management Course Level 1 delivered in St Vincent and the Grenadines
by SVG Sailing Association 24 Feb 06:10 PST
20-22 February 2026
Jeff Johnson, instructor - World Sailing Race Management Course Level 1 delivered in St Vincent and the Grenadines © SVG Sailing Association
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sailing Association (SVGSA) successfully hosted a World Sailing Race Management Course - Level 1 over three days, from 20-22 February, at the SVG Sailing Association Centre of Excellence, Coconut Grove Beach Club.
The course brought together 15 participants from junior sailing clubs across Union Island, Bequia, Mayreau, and St. Vincent, strengthening race management capacity throughout the islands and supporting the long-term development of sailing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
In addition, three representatives from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority attended the course to gain practical race management experience in preparation for the 2026 SVG Sailing Week, scheduled to take place from 29 March to 6 April 2026.
The Level 1 course was delivered by two highly respected international instructors, Becky Ashburn and Jeff Johnson, both from the San Diego Yacht Club and internationally recognised Olympic-level race officials.
"Race management is the foundation of great sailing events," said Becky Ashburn, World Sailing International Race Officer.
"What stood out here in SVG was the enthusiasm, commitment, and willingness to learn. These participants are building the skills that will allow local clubs and major regattas to be run safely, fairly, and to true international standards."
Participants received a blend of classroom instruction and practical, hands-on learning aligned with World Sailing standards, focusing on the core skills required to manage club-level sailing events with confidence.
"The goal of Level 1 is to teach officials the skills they can immediately use on the water," said Jeff Johnson, World Sailing International Race Officer.
"By the end of the course, participants understand not just the 'how', but the 'why' behind race management decisions. That knowledge is critical as SVG prepares for larger international events like Sailing Week."
The course forms part of World Sailing's global education pathway, designed to build strong, knowledgeable race officials at grassroots and national levels.
Participants praised the course for its practical value and international exposure.
"This course opened my eyes to everything that goes into running a race that reflects World Sailing Association standards," said Nancy Saul-Demers, from the Mayreau Junior Sailing Club. "I now feel much more confident in helping deliver regattas that better prepare our young sailors for higher-level competition."
Aina Browne, St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, highlighted the long-term impact on local sailing:
"Learning directly from Olympic level officials was an incredible experience" she said.
"The training equipped local officials with the technical competencies to strengthen sailing events in St.Vincent and the Grenadines and to support the continued growth of our marine tourism sector. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority congratulates the SVG Sailing Association on this timely and successful initiative".
Hosting this course locally represents a major step forward for sailing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, ensuring that future regattas—including SVG Sailing Week 2026—are delivered to the highest international standards while empowering local officials and volunteers.
The Team:
Nancy Saul Demers, Anne Weinhardt, Jenny Trumble, Becky Ashburn, John Dillon, Vanessa Hadley, Darcy Dillon, Jennifer Deane, Lorne Saul Demers, Sabrina Marks Dasent, Jeff Johnson, Kathique Haynes, Isaiah Blackett, Joshua Weinhardt, Noe Dulac, Fedel Mansour, Delphine Ollivierre.