This week, the World Sailing Annual Conference took place in Dublin, Ireland, bringing together the global sailing community to review, discuss, and celebrate the future of the sport. The Star Sailors League (SSL) was proudly represented by a strong delegation.
On Thursday evening, SSL held one of its most significant meetings of the year, during which the project’s vision and an eight-year strategic plan were presented and discussed. The session also served as an opportunity to align SSL’s initiatives with World Sailing’s broader objectives for inclusivity, sustainability, and the global growth of the sport.
The presentation began with an introduction by Paul McKenzie, followed by remarks from the Brazilian representative Marco Aurélio (CBVela), and a message of support from Pinar Coşkuner Genç the president of EUROSAF.
The SSL team then unveiled its strategic plan for the SSL Gold Cup 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, outlining the vision, key objectives, and roadmap for the year ahead. With only twelve months remaining until the Grand Final, the presentation emphasized the event’s mission, long-term ambitions, and a detailed qualification system designed to unite the world’s best national sailing teams in a truly global celebration of the sport.
We also discussed the SEA Games, taking place in December in Thailand, as the first test of our concept within a multi-sport event. The SSL 47 yachts will be featured as one of the official classes in the regatta competition.
About the World Sailing Annual Conference
The World Sailing Annual Conference is the sport’s most significant gathering, uniting decision-makers, athletes, and organizations from across the globe. Each year, it brings together around 300–400 participants from over 75 nations, including representatives of Member National Authorities (MNAs), Class Associations, sailors, event organizers, and marine industry leaders.
This year’s edition focused heavily on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, with major decisions expected regarding the future of Olympic sailing, the Para Inclusive Strategy, and the Sustainability Agenda 2030. The six-day event combined formal meetings, workshops, networking receptions, and cultural activities, culminating in the World Sailing Council Meeting and the General Assembly on 8 November.
World Sailing Awards 2025
A highlight of the week was the World Sailing Awards, celebrating exceptional athletes and projects that have contributed significantly to the sport. The title of Male Sailor of the Year went to Charlie Dalin, while Female Sailor of the Year was awarded to Justine Mettraux. In the youth categories, the winners were Marta Cardona Alcántara and the Nikolaos Pappas. The Team of the Year distinction went to Emirates Team New Zealand, and the Impact Award was presented to LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES.
SSL at the Heart of Global Sailing
The presence of SSL representatives in Dublin underlines the organization’s growing role in shaping the future of sailing. Through its projects, SSL continues to promote equality, excellence, and innovation within the sport. The discussions held during the conference reaffirmed SSL’s commitment to supporting sailors from every corner of the world and to building a stronger, more connected global sailing community.