The Spanish city of Málaga will host the 2023 World Sailing Annual Conference, bringing together delegates from around the world.
A six-person Irish delegation will represent Irish interests among over 300 delegates when the meeting convenes from 13-18 November 2023 to review and discuss World Sailing’s strategy for the coming year and beyond, making and ratifying key decisions that will impact sailing at every level, from elite professionals to recreational sailors.
Delegates include sailors, event organisers, Member National Authorities (MNAs), committee members, Class Associations, boat manufacturers, athletes and representatives from World Sailing’s partners.
Paddy Boyd, Fiona Bolger, Con Murphy, Michael O’Connor, Chris Lindsay and new Irish Sailing Association CEO Tim Bourke will attend for Ireland.
Decisions made during the week will impact every level of the sport, from elite competition to grassroots. Before the Conference, World Sailing received 189 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 before the Annual Conference.
World Sailing’s Council will meet on 15 and 18 November to approve, reject or defer the recommendations and proposals from the Committees and will ratify proposals at the Annual General Meeting on 18 November, the final meeting of the Annual Conference.
David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, said, “As we look ahead to a very important year for the sport of sailing, I am delighted to be able to welcome delegates to the wonderful city of Málaga for the 2023 World Sailing Annual Conference.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together, share suggestions to improve the sport, reflect upon our successes and where we can improve, and speak openly about the opportunities and challenges facing the sport we all love.
“With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the 37th America’s Cup on the horizon next year, the Youth Sailing World Championships still to come this year, and events around the world showcasing the diversity of sailing, this year’s Annual Conference takes on extra significance, and I look forward to a week of fruitful discussions with representatives from across the sport.”