World Sailing opens Equipment Development Programme with FarEast
Under the agreement, World Sailing has developed a structured application and selection process to support FarEast's commitment to provide access to boats and other equipment to World Sailing’s global events, development projects, and grassroots growth initiatives.
Equipment will be provided to Emerging Nations, ensuring that the equipment contributes to sustainable, long-term sailing development. Emerging Nations are those categorised as Resourced but not developed and, Not resourced and not developed. Eligible Member National Authorities (MNAs) in these categories are invited to apply through a phased regional process.
Regional rollout
Applications will be accepted through a phased regional rollout. The current timeline for sharing application information with eligible Emerging Nation MNAs is:
-Africa and Oceania: November 2026
-Central America & Caribbean: January 2027
-Asia and South America: March 2027
-Africa and Oceania will form the first application round. Eligible Emerging Nation MNAs in these regions will receive the detailed Programme Information Pack and Application Form directly from World Sailing.
The dates for subsequent rounds are indicative. Each round will progress following completion of the preceding application and selection process, taking into account equipment availability and any operational or logistical requirements.
World Sailing will communicate directly with eligible MNAs when applications open for their region.
Application and selection process
Applications will be assessed against the programme's eligibility and development criteria, including the proposed development programme, coaching and delivery capacity, facilities, financial and logistical readiness, and the ability to sustain the programme over a three-year period.
Following the assessment process, World Sailing will select the MNAs that will receive equipment through each application round.
The programme is designed to use equipment as an investment in sustainable sailing development. Applicants will therefore be expected to demonstrate how the equipment will be used, managed and maintained, and how it will support an ongoing development programme.
Equipment and MNA responsibilities
Equipment provided through the programme will be supplied as value-in-kind sponsorship.
Successful MNAs will be responsible for all costs associated with receiving the equipment following collection from the FarEast factory, including shipping, import duties, applicable local taxes and other relevant delivery-related costs.
Recipient MNAs will also be responsible for the ongoing storage and maintenance of the equipment, delivery of the proposed development programme, and participation in World Sailing's programme monitoring and reporting process.
Next steps
Eligible Emerging Nation MNAs in Africa and Oceania will receive the first Programme Information Pack and Application Form directly from World Sailing.
The Information Pack will provide further details on eligibility, the application process, assessment criteria, MNA responsibilities and programme requirements.