The Steering the Course 2025 women’s sailing festival, part of World Sailing’s global development programme, has once again brought together clubs and federations from around the world with one shared goal: to promote women’s participation in sailing. The second edition of this year has further strengthened the programme’s global reach, with activities across five continents and growing engagement from local sailing communities.
In Sydney, the Ladies of the Sea Coaching Regatta, held on 3 October at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, welcomed more than 130 participants representing 23 Australian clubs. At the Sint Maarten Yacht Club, over a hundred women were introduced to sailing for the first time through open introductory sessions. Similar initiatives were organised in Algeria, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong, featuring technical courses and umpiring clinics supported by World Sailing.
What Steering the Course means
Launched in 2021, Steering the Course is a global programme by World Sailing designed to promote gender equality in the sport. Held twice a year, in May and October, it brings together national federations, clubs, and coaches at all levels to provide learning, leadership, and participation opportunities for women of all ages and experience levels.
The initiative forms part of World Sailing’s long-term commitment to ensuring that more women take on technical, leadership, and governance roles within the sport. Under the theme #AccelerateAction, the plan aims to inspire new generations of sailors while establishing sailing as an inclusive and accessible sport worldwide.
World Sailing programmes promoting equality
The Steering the Course Strategy, running through 2032, sets out specific goals to achieve gender balance among coaches, officials, and team leaders. Among the main objectives are reaching 50% female participation in World Sailing Technical Courses for Coaches and Race Officials during the 2025–2028 cycle, and achieving equal representation at World Sailing World Championships and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
To achieve these targets, World Sailing delivers tailored programmes across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. In 2025, Level 1 and 2 technical courses were held in Egypt, Algeria, and Chinese Taipei, alongside umpiring and race management programmes in Hong Kong and Trinidad and Tobago, where the Girl’s Sailing Club project was launched to encourage participation among school-age girls.
Programme growth and international impact
Since its launch, Steering the Course has reached more than 56 countries, with over 8,000 women taking part in courses, regattas, and training activities. In 2025 alone, more than 30 festivals were held as part of the programme, combining introductory sessions with advanced education for female coaches and officials. The initiative has also strengthened collaboration among national federations and expanded access to technical development resources across all continents.
Fiona Kidd, Head of International Development at World Sailing, stated: “Steering the Course continues to make a positive impact on the lives of women around the world. The exposure to new courses and pathways creates opportunities for careers, lifelong learning, and the chance to inspire others.” Kidd added: “Every year, the number of women involved grows at all levels of the sport, and for many, programmes like Steering the Course are the launchpad for further growth within sailing.”
