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World Sailing Opens Bidding for 2030-31 Global Championships

5th March 2026
“Champion’s
Champion’s Lift — Australian Sailing teammates carry ILCA sailor Matt Wearn ashore after world championship success at the Allianz Sailing World Championships. World Sailing has now opened bidding for the 2030–31 championships, the key Olympic qualifier for Brisbane 2032

World Sailing has invited Member National Authorities, venues and cities to bid for the 2030-2031 World Sailing Championships, the main Olympic qualification event for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The regatta will be the eighth edition of sailing’s flagship global championship. It will bring together Olympic-class and Para Inclusive sailors from around the world.

Organisers say the event will again use a split-venue model, allowing the championships to take place across two separate sessions or locations. The format will debut in 2027 when Fortaleza, Brazil and Gdynia, Poland share hosting duties.

World Sailing says the approach allows more venues to host major Olympic-class racing while reducing the logistical burden on a single location.

World Sailing chief executive David Graham said the championships remain the sport’s premier global event.

“The World Sailing Championships is our flagship event, a spectacular showcase of talent that captures the world’s attention,” Graham said.

He added that opening the bid process early allows potential hosts time to prepare.

“By inviting bids for the 2030-2031 cycle now, we are providing potential hosts with the long-term planning horizon necessary to deliver a world-class experience for athletes, fans and partners.”

Graham said the flexible hosting model is also helping expand the sport’s global footprint.

“We are committed to taking the championships to new territories and continuing to build on an incredible legacy of events.”

The regattas are expected to take place between July 2030 and February 2031, or alternatively between July and September 2031.

Hosting the championships offers cities and regions an opportunity to showcase their sailing facilities while supporting World Sailing’s goals on sustainability and gender equity.

Expressions of interest and preliminary bids must be submitted to World Sailing by 24 April 2026, with full bid documents due by 10 September 2026.

Published in 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.