Global Sailing Conference Welcomed in Dún Laoghaire

1st November 2025

Afloat.ie Team

Councillor Jim Gildea welcomes the global sailing community to Dún Laoghaire as over 400 delegates attend the 2025 World Sailing Annual Conference hosted by the town Credit: Dun Laoghaire Marina

Jim Gildea, Chairperson of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, has formally welcomed the international sailing community to the town, recognised as Ireland's largest marine leisure centre.

“We are proud to welcome the global sailing community back to Dún Laoghaire,” Mr Gildea said. “This conference reflects our town’s enduring connection to the sea and our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in sport.”

The 2025 World Sailing Annual Conference begins this Sunday in Dún Laoghaire, bringing together more than 400 delegates from around the world.

Participants include Member National Authorities, Class Associations, sailors, event organisers and marine industry representatives.

The week of meetings will culminate in the World Sailing Council meeting and the General Assembly on 8 November.

This year’s agenda centres on key themes: innovation, sustainability and inclusivity in the sport of sailing.

Major strategic decisions are expected on Olympic sailing, the Para‑Inclusive Strategy, and the Sustainability Agenda 2030.

David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, described the conference as “the most important week in our calendar, where the global sailing family comes together to collectively steer the future of our sport. … We are thrilled to be back in Dún Laoghaire, a town with a rich sailing heritage.”

An important outcome will be the election of two new Vice‑Presidents to the World Sailing Board, resulting in a 50/50 gender split on the Board (four male, four female Vice‑Presidents).

The hosting of the event by Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council marks the town’s return as host, having last held the conference in 2012.

Open sessions will be streamed live via the World Sailing YouTube channel, allowing the global community to follow the proceedings.

For Dún Laoghaire, the conference brings international attention and reinforces its long‑established maritime credentials. Locally, it offers an opportunity to spotlight boating, sailing infrastructure and community engagement in the sport.

Overall, the event signifies a convergence of global governance and local heritage in one of Ireland’s key sailing hubs.

Published in World Sailing

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