28th May
World Sailing Day

Competition

Racing as amateur, professional or just for fun, can be done individually or in a team. Racing can be enjoyed throughout one’s life and at all different levels, also Olympic. ​

Some racing formats are solo, fleet, team, match, oceanic, offshore and para. There is also model and e-sailing

​The duration of competitive sailing can last less than an hour or extend to months.

Cruising

Cruising is sailing for pleasure, travel or exploration. With many modes including; coastal, offshore, blue-water, tropical, liveaboard, rally or charter, the pace is generally relaxed and most often the goal is leisure,escape and the collection of new experiences with people, places, and nature.

Whether for just a weekend, or for a number of years, cruising becomes quickly a way of life.

Motor

Motor sailing on inland, coastal oropen waters offers speed, comfort,and convenience. Less dependanton wind and weather, it is ideal forget-aways, entertaining, relaxing, orisland/port-hopping and it allowsmore flexibility with tighter timeschedules.​

Motor yachts sail at higher speedand with minimal physical effort,although the larger yachts andsuperyachts which can reach 180min length need crews.

Youth

Youth sailing introduces young people to sailing through structured training, fun, and competition. It builds confidence, teamwork, leadership and independence on the water.

Programs often use small, safe dinghies (e.g., optimists) suited for learning and racing.

Youth sailors develop seamanship, resilience, and respect for nature. It’s a gateway to lifelong adventure, sport, and maritime skills.​

Board

Board sailing includes wind, kite or wing foiling which harness wind power for high-speed sailing and thrilling manoeuvres.

Blending balance, technique, and knowledge of wind dynamics board sailors require and develop coordination, agility and high levels of fitness and strength.

Board sailing is chosen for its freedom, agility, physicality, and thrill, offering a very different, more direct experience than yacht or dinghy sailing.

Inland

Inland waterway sailing typically involves smaller vessels on lakes, rivers, canals, and other sheltered inland waters.

It is popular for recreational cruising, training, and relaxed exploration where slow winding passages allow sailors to experience the harmony of land and water at a slower pace.​

This sailing emphasises local navigation knowledge, where sailors may need to account for bridges, locks, currents, and limited manoeuvring room.

Classic

Classic sailing lets sailors experience the navigation of traditionally crafted boats.

Often constructed of wood and or restored with historical accuracy, these vessels embody a refined sailing tradition where timeless design, elegance, and heritage is prioritised over modern speed or technology.​

Classic yachts are seen and sailed at exhibitions, regattas or coastal cruising events where spectators can witness the blend of maritime history, beauty, and craftsmanship in motion.​

Exploration

Exploration sailing is the pursuit of remote, seldom-travelled waters under sail either for discovery , challenge or research purposes.​

Sailors navigate challenging routes—from Arctic ice to tropical archipelagos. Vessels are equipped for endurance, safety, and off-grid living and the voyages are often long, self-reliant, and rich in cultural and natural encounters.​

Exploration sailing is generally characterised by adventure, curiosity, and seamanship with a spirit of discovery producing “once in a life-time” experiences.​

Model

Model sailing allows enthusiasts to engage in sailing through small, highly detailed, remote-controlled yachts. ​

Races and regattas simulate full-scale sailing tactics, offering strategic and hands-on experience in miniature.

Ideal for those without access to full-sized boats or open water. It is low-cost, low-risk, and the activity suits all ages and abilities, promoting skill development, patience, and precision.​

e-Sailing

E-Sailors sail in digital environments that mimic real-world sailing conditions, applying real sailing principles for sail trim, tactics, and navigation.​

These immersive, skill-based virtual experiences can be either casual or raced against global competitors​ as E-sailing is recognized as a competitive digital sport by World Sailing.

Virtual sailing via online platforms or apps, makes sailing accessible from any device without requiring a physical boat or sea access.