WSDA26
Put your name on the standard for excellence in sailing.
World Sailing Day – 28 May Awards (WSDA) partners can become an exclusive naming sponsor of an awards category. .
You don’t just place a logo – by supporting the category , you attach your brand to the people, projects and innovations that are identified and recognized for their excellence. .
What is an Award Sponsor?
An Award Sponsor selects one WSDA category and becomes its sole naming partner.
Examples:
“The [Brand] Sustainability Award”
“The [Brand] Technology & Innovation Award”
Your name is carried wherever that award appears:
- On the WSDA and World Sailing Day | May 28 websites
- In calls for entries and entry forms
- In shortlists and winner announcements
- On-stage and on-screen at the WSDA ceremony
- iIn press releases, reports and social media assets
- On trophies and certificates
- Gala Dinner – at the Winners Circle in London – May 28,2027
for this category, your brand supports the benchmark.
Why sponsor a WSDA award?
1. Own a category, not just a banner
You choose the space that matters to you – sustainability, safety, youth development, technology, community impact and more – and become the name attached to excellence in that area of sailing.
2. Build a compelling story
Every cycle produces a fresh shortlist, finalists and a winner. Across a three-year term you build a portfolio of real people and projects your brand can stand behind – a living archive of case studies for internal and external storytelling.
3. Reach the whole sailing ecosystem
WSDA brings together entries from clubs, companies, athletes, destinations, events and initiatives around the world. Your category cuts across that ecosystem, year after year, at local, national and international levels.
4. Create tangible proof of commitment
Instead of vague ESG claims, you point to a concrete award:
“Each year, we support and celebrate the most impactful work in [your chosen field] in sailing.”
Integrity and independence
Our awards are governed by strict participation and judging rules. An independant board oversees all process and the voting results.
- One sponsor per category
Each award has a single naming sponsor for the duration of the agreement. - No entries in your own category
The sponsor, and any company within the same corporate group, may not submit entries to the category they sponsor. You are welcome to enter other categories where you meet the normal criteria. - Independent juries
All entries are assessed by juries appointed by WSDA. Sponsors have no role in the nomination, shortlisting or voting process. - Transparent criteria
Judging criteria for each award are published in advance and remain consistent for the term, unless updated by WSDA for quality reasons.
These rules ensure that winning a sponsored award is meaningful for entrants – and credible for your brand.
Award categories
World Sailing Day 28 May Awards recognise excellence across the sport and its wider ecosystem. Categories currently include, among others:
- Industry Sector Awards – leadership and innovation across equipment, yards, marinas, services and technology.
- Sustainability & Access – projects that make sailing more climate-responsible, inclusive and reachable.
- Sailing Hero Awards – individuals across the main sailing types who have made an outstanding contribution on and off the water.
- Youth & Education – programmes that bring the next generation into sailing and develop their skills.
- Safety & Seamanship – initiatives that improve safety standards, training and seamanship culture.
- Events & Experiences – regattas, festivals and new formats that redefine what a sailing event can be.
- Community & Inclusion – clubs, cities and organisations building diverse, welcoming sailing communities.
In total there are 32 awards. Some categories are reserved for global partners; others are open to sector, regional or national sponsors.
You can request the current availability list or view it here as an updated grid.
WORLD SAILING DAY 28 May AWARDS
Key Dates and Deadlines
Each sub-categrory contestant is required to submit a complete entry within the time period indicated. Once the submission has been approved it will be published on the Awards Voting section of the webiste. The on-line voting will take place in two rounds as indic ated and the final will take place and be announced in London on 28 May – World Sailing Day.
entries open & close
Open Date: 31/07/26
Close Date: 20/01/27
shortlist date
Online Voting Start: 19/03/27
Online Voting Close: 26/03/27
Announced: 02/04/27
semi-final date
Online Voting Start: 19/02/27
Online Voting Close: 26/02/27
Announced: 01/03/27
final date
Judges Voting Start: 16/04/27
Judges Voting Close: 23/04/27
Announced: 30/04/26
Send us your request today !
