World Sailing supports the next generation of elite female coaches

Women in Sport High Performance Pathway (WISH) Programme © World Sailing

World Sailing is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Women in Sport High Performance Pathway (WISH) Programme, a unique initiative designed to increase female representation in elite sport coaching at Olympic, World Championship and other major event level.

First organised as a pilot in 2019, the WISH Programme has been developed in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and supported by Olympic Solidarity, WISH helps equip women coaches with the skills, confidence and leadership competencies needed to thrive at the highest levels of performance.

The WISH Programme has been designed for female coaches who are already a part of, or have the potential to be a part of, a national delegation to the Regional and/or Continental Games, World Championships, Youth Olympic Games or Olympic Games in a sport on the Summer or Winter Olympic Games Sport Programme.

Since its inception, WISH has tackled the persistent gender gap in high performance coaching. While gender participation among athletes at the Olympic Games now sits at parity, the representation of female coaches has lagged behind in most sports - at just 13%.

To date, more than 125 women from 22 sports and 60 countries have participated in WISH, gaining access to leadership development, sport-specific mentoring and international networks that supercharge their coaching careers. World Sailing has proudly supported five coaches in previous cohorts.

The 2026 WISH Programme continues this legacy. In collaboration with National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Federations (IFs), nominations are now open for eligible women coaches who are already part of or poised to be part of national teams for regional, continental, youth or elite competitions.

The 21-month pathway includes residential leadership sessions, online development modules, sport-specific mentoring and experiential learning designed to refine coaching expertise and broaden strategic impact. The course helps coaches to develop their values, plan for success and deliver their message dynamically and bravely. Feedback from the group provides constructive and empowering learning points and helps to push the boundaries of each coach.

Fiona Kidd, World Sailing's Head of International Development, said, "This year's opportunity is more than training, it's a chance for the next generation of women leaders in sport that need access, opportunity and support. WISH provides exactly that. The programme seeks to address the disparity in female coaches at the highest level by building a pipeline of talented women ready to lead, develop and empower athletes on the global stage. MNA's and aspiring coaches are encouraged to explore the programme and consider nominations and applying today."

For more information about the WISH Programme, go to the link here.

How to apply

To apply for the WISH Programme, please send your coaching and sailing CV along with a one-page cover letter outlining:

• Why you want to apply for the WISH Programme,

• What the WISH Programme can do for you,

• What you want to get out of the WISH Programme.