"World Sailing Needs Offshore More Than Offshore Needs World Sailing"

10th December 2020

Knut Frostad

There are some well put together arguments related to the future of sailing, and especially World Sailing's need for involvement in offshore sailing articulated by Knut Frostad in this video interview below with SEILmagasinet, where the Norwegian sailor issues a wake-up call to World Sailing. (English starts at 0:30).

Frostad has to be close to the top of the list of people you would like to emerge as a leader when critical decisions about the sport of sailing being debated. A two time Olympian a four-time Volvo Ocean Race sailor, the CEO of three Volvo Ocean Races and currently the CEO of Navico, one of the largest marine Electronic firms, the Norwegian has very clear views about sailing, World Sailing, the Olympic Games and the future of all three.

The debate has become even more topical with the delay of the decision on whether offshore sailing should be in the Olympics in 2024. Frostad is very clear that the proposed mixed doubles offshore event offers an opportunity for World Sailing to regain a foremost position in the sport beyond the Olympic Games. He unfavourably compares World Sailing with other International Federations, noting that other than the racing rules, WS has no influence, control, investment or payback from an area of the sport that is more popular than Olympic sailing. His arguments are backed by media figures for events such as the Vendee Globe and the Jules Verne.

A fascinating interview, articulating well the issues around sailing and the Olympics.

Published in World Sailing

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World Sailing

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World Sailing Information

World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Founded in 1907, World Sailing's vision is for a world in which millions more people fall in love with sailing; inspired by the unique relationship between sport, technology and the forces of nature; we all work to protect the waters of the world.

World Sailing is made up of 144 Member National Authorities, the national governing bodies for sailing around the world and 117 World Sailing Class Associations.