Abu Dhabi set to host 2022 World Sailing Annual Conference

Abu Dhabi will welcome delegates from across the globe for the 2022 World Sailing Annual Conference.

The Annual Conference includes eight days of meetings as delegates review and discuss World Sailing’s strategy and make key decisions that influence the future of the sport and impact professional and recreational sailors.

Delegates include sailors, event organisers, Member National Authorities (MNAs), committee members, Class Associations, boat manufacturers and representatives from World Sailing partners.

Decisions made during the week will impact every level of the sport, from elite competition to grassroots. In advance of the Conference, World Sailing received 61 submissions proposing changes to World Sailing's regulations, policies and rules. Committees, MNAs, Class Associations and the Board of Directors were all eligible to propose the submissions in advance.

World Sailing’s Council will meet on 28-29 October to approve, reject or defer the recommendations and proposals from the Committees and will ratify proposals at the Annual General Meeting on 29 October, the final meeting of the Annual Conference.

Covid restrictions mean this will be the first in-person Annual Conference since 2019.

His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, welcomed the delegates and participants for the 2022 Annual World Sailing Conference while emphasising Abu Dhabi's ability continue hosting major events.

“Abu Dhabi is delighted and honoured to host the Annual World Sailing Conference,” he said.

“Abu Dhabi is a renowned city hosting world class sporting events as well as high profile conferences, meetings and workshops a availing our expert organising acumen and the with our state of the art facilities and infrastructures in place.”

World Sailing CEO David Graham, added: “I know I speak for everyone at World Sailing when I say we are looking forward to welcoming delegates to the Yas Conference Centre in Abu Dhabi.

“The World Sailing Annual Conference is always a great opportunity for our community to get together, share ideas, debate and make decisions on the opportunities and challenges facing our sport.

“However, as this will be the first Annual Conference we have held in person since 2019, this year’s will be particularly special.”

Further information on the conference, including the submissions, agendas and supporting papers, is available on the World Sailing website.

The Annual Conference open sessions will be streamed live on the World Sailing YouTube channel.

World Sailing Awards

The 2022 World Sailing Awards will be held on Tuesday 25 October.

The Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards – the ultimate recognition of excellence – the World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award, Team of the Year and Boat of the Year will all be awarded. Find out how you can vote here.

How to Follow the Annual Conference

Daily updates will be available on the World Sailing website.

The World Sailing Annual Conference is organised and supported by the Official Host Venue Partner Abu Dhabi Sports Council.