World Sailing Oceanic & Offshore Committee to seek views of community on tech in offshore sailing

Offshore Double Handed World Championship 2026 © Pierick Jeannouto

The World Sailing Oceanic and Offshore Committee (OOC) is to undertake a global survey of the offshore racing community to seek views on the impact on the sport of developing technology.

The consultation follows several years of broad discussion within offshore sailing about the implications of developing technology for the sport, in relation to human endeavour in sailing.

The OOC has been considering these issues since November 2021. More recently, an Offshore Organisers Forum was held in November 2025, with both virtual and physical attendance, providing an opportunity for organisers and stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing offshore racing.

World Sailing has received several proposals relating to these issues, leading to the federation deciding to seek views from a wide range of stakeholders - including offshore sailors, yacht owners, crews, Classes, Rating Systems and Organising Authorities (OAs).

The challenge of new technology is not unique to sailing. Other sports, including motor racing, golf and cycling, have faced comparable questions about the appropriate role and limits of technology in competition.

While views on the appropriate regulatory approach have varied, there has been broad recognition that the sport is approaching a significant issue that requires careful consideration.

The survey will therefore seek to provide World Sailing with a broad and representative picture of the views and priorities of the offshore community.

Consultation before decisions

The OOC intends to take the necessary time to ensure that the survey is carefully designed and capable of producing meaningful, high-quality results. No fixed timetable has yet been established for the survey, as the priority is to ensure that the consultation is comprehensive and that its findings can properly inform future decisions.

Matt Allen, Chair of the Oceanic and Offshore Committee, said: "Technology has always been part of sailing and innovation is an important part of our sport.

"We have received a wide range of views from the offshore community. What has been particularly clear is that people recognise the importance of the issue, but many are asking for more time and wider consultation before decisions are taken.

"This survey is an opportunity for sailors, owners, crews, Classes, Rating Systems and Organising Authorities to have their voices heard. We want to understand the views of the people who participate in, invest in and organise offshore racing before determining the best way forward."

The OOC believes that a global consultation will help establish a strong evidence base for future consideration by World Sailing and enable the sport to work collectively towards an approach that protects participation, investment, competition and human endeavour, while recognising the continuing evolution of technology.

Further details of the survey, including how stakeholders can participate, will be announced once the consultation has been finalised. Following the survey, World Sailing will publish a report on the results.

Proposals related to this topic, including CO-2026-19, and other matters related to the work of the Oceanic and Offshore Committee, can be accessed via the proposals portal on the World Sailing website.