Commercial Events
The Commercial Events Award recognises professionally run marine events that drive the business side of sailing – from boat shows, trade fairs and conferences to major regattas and waterfront festivals with a clear commercial engine behind them. These events connect brands, buyers, sailors and cities, turning ideas into contracts, partnerships and long-term relationships.
We look for a clear concept and audience, strong delivery on safety and operations, thoughtful visitor and exhibitor experience, and a measurable contribution to the wider sailing economy – whether through deals done, attendance growth, media reach or lasting impact for the host city or port. Attention to sustainability, accessibility and legacy is a major plus, not an optional extra.
SET SAIL for SUCCESS !
WORLD SAILING DAY 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: 01/01/26
Close Date: 25/02/26
shortlist date
Online Voting Start: 20/03/26
Online Voting Close: 25/03/26
Announced: 01/03/26
semi-final date
Online Voting Start: 20/03/26
Online Voting Close: 25/03/26
Announced: 01/03/26
final date
Judges Voting Start: 20/03/26
Judges Voting Close: 25/03/26
Announced: 28/05/26
Why Enter?
Entering the World Sailing Day Awards is a chance to share your work with the wider sailing community, be reviewed by independent experts and open doors to new collaborations and growth.
Global recognition & Visibility
Your work seen & Respected across the international sailing community.
Both entering & winning an award comes with press and social media coverage, increasing your visibility, and making a wider circle of prospective customers and partners aware of your brand
The results of higher credibility and visibility mean higher sales and revenue.
Credibility
Independent review with fairness and transparency at its core.
Awards make your brand more
trustworthy since they imply recognition
from an independent third party.
Consumers are more likely to buy from companies that have received a third-party seal of approval. Prospective investors are also more inclined to back an award-winning business.
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
A recognised award gives you a story you can use in pitches, on your website and in campaigns.
It can help you open conversations that were hard to start cold, support membership growth or funding applications, and make it easier for potential partners to say “yes” to a first meeting.
Connections
Discovery by clubs, brands, festivals, and ports seeking collaborators.
Opportunities to engage with clubs, creators, innovators and organisations across sailing.
Become the Benchmark!
Your entry helps set higher standards within your area of sailing – encouraging better practice, wider access and a more sustainable, inclusive future on and off the water.
Why this category matters for commercial events
Recognition at the World Sailing Day Awards is a mark of distinction – it shows the world that youn
company stands at the helm of progress, innovation, and commitment to the spint of sailing.
For many organizations, this award has become not only a symbol of excellence, but a launchpad for now partnerships, visibility, and commercial opportunities.
Marine trade shows, regattas and waterfront festivals are where the business of sailing actually happens. Entering under Commercial Events (Marine) helps you:
- Prove value beyond footfall
Show sponsors, exhibitors and host cities that your event delivers quality experiences, safety, and sector impact – not just visitor numbers. - Stand out in a crowded calendar
An independent WSDA shortlisting or win differentiates your show from “just another event” and strengthens your pitch decks. - Strengthen long-term partnerships
Recognition supports negotiations with ports, cities and key partners by demonstrating professionalism, reliability and legacy.
Your Impact
By entering, your company directly supports the wider sailing ecosystem – from clubs and youth
academies to environmental sustainability programs and maritime heritage projects. Every
submission helps fuel the growth and modernization of sailing worldwide, ensuring that the industry remains vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready.
Be part of it!
This Kit explains eligibility, submission requirements, evaluation, and ceremony
details for all WSDA entrants. It ensures transparency, consistency, and fairness
across all award tracks.
SHORT FACTS
Open to companies, startups, research teams and solo developers working in sailing-related tech or software.
Your product must be real and testable (beta or live – no pure concepts).
You can enter in more than one category if the fit makes sense.
All entries must be submitted before the published deadline.
Entry fees and any multi-category discounts are as listed on the page and in the Entry Kit.
Reduced rates may apply for non-profits, youth projects and early-bird entries.
If cost is the only barrier to entering, you can contact the organisers in confidence to explore support options.
Entries are first checked by the organisers for eligibility and basic fit.
Public voting highlights popular and impactful solutions.
A specialist jury then reviews entries using clear criteria: innovation, usefulness, impact on safety / performance, and long-term potential.
Final results follow a fixed scoring model (public + jury) which is explained in the Entry Kit.
A short description of what your technology does and who it’s for.
Evidence that it works in practice (demo link, screenshots, or a short video).
At least one real-world example or user story you’re allowed to share.
A contact person who can answer jury questions if needed.
Sponsored by Sailing Miles
We are proud to partner with Sailing Miles as the official sponsor of the World Sailing Day Awards, helping to support and elevate the global sailing community.