The World Sailing Council approved on 17 September 2025 a series of key measures that will shape the future of Olympic sailing. Decisions included the competition format for Los Angeles 2028, the review of certain events ahead of Brisbane 2032, the reintroduction of the World Cup Series, and the confirmation of Fortaleza as host of the 2027 World Sailing Championships.
Recommendations for Los Angeles 2028 include adjustments to the maximum number of races and their duration, with the goal of creating a more attractive format for spectators. Compared to Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, the races will be shorter and more compact, enhancing visibility within the available wind window and session time at the California venue.
How Olympic sailing will change at Los Angeles 2028
In Windsurfing and Kiteboarding, for both men and women, a maximum of 12 races will be held, each estimated at around 12 minutes. Skiff and Mixed Multihull events will be limited to nine races of 25 minutes, while Dinghy events —men’s, women’s and mixed— will be contested over eight races lasting between 30 and 35 minutes.
The council also approved changes to course layouts, leg lengths and the introduction of a grandstand finish zone, aimed at preserving the tactical and strategic nature of sailing while creating a more engaging conclusion for spectators. The proposal passed with 26 votes in favour, three against and four abstentions.
Events under review for Brisbane 2032
Looking ahead to Brisbane 2032, the council agreed to review Kiteboarding, Mixed Dinghy and Mixed Multihull events. This process, a regular part of the Olympic cycle, could result in keeping the events with current equipment, making equipment changes, or replacing them with new disciplines. The recommendation was supported by 27 votes in favour, two against and two abstentions.
In parallel, the council endorsed principles to reintroduce the World Cup Series in 2026. The competition, discontinued after 2019, aims to regain its role as a global benchmark with a calendar of regattas leading to a Grand Final. The council also approved updates to the reappointment system for race officials, setting terms to expire on 31 December of the fourth year after appointment, with reappointment applications allowed only in the final year of tenure.
Fortaleza gears up for the 2027 Worlds
Brazil will host the next major international sailing event. World Sailing confirmed the 2027 World Sailing Championships will take place in Fortaleza from 22–30 January, preceded by a Test Event from 24–31 January 2026. The event will provide a full-scale assessment of the venue, race management systems and logistics under real competition conditions.
Daniel Azevedo, president of CBVela, said: “The city of Fortaleza has a growing sailing heritage, and with ideal conditions for watersports we are looking forward to delivering an exceptional edition of the World Sailing Championships.” The Test Event will feature men’s and women’s Dinghy, Windsurfing and Kiteboarding, with the Notice of Race already available on the World Sailing website.
