Frequently Asked Questions
World Sailing Day
World Sailing Day is the single day in the year where SAILING is celebrated and becomes a focal point.
Through fun, exciting and educational activities around the world including the annual World sailing Day Awards event, all are invited to participate in sailing.
The World Sailing Day Organisation’s objective is to increase participation, promote the sailing industry and to stress the importance of the attainment of sustainable ocean-friendly goals.
World Sailing Day is celebrated annually on May 28th. The first being held in 2026.
Any individual, organisation or business which is interested in or connected in anyway to Sailing, whether on inland waters or sea/oceans.
World Sailing Day is celebrated on all continents. Currently World Sailing Day 2026 will be celebrated in 30+ countries. The target number of participating countries is 118.
World Sailing Day Organisation Ltd. (UK) promotes, coordinates and organizes the World Sailing Day activities from its locations in London, The Hague and Helsinki. World Sailing day is also supported by local country organisations. Each Club/association organises its own local/club activities.
For those new to sailing:
To meet interesting people from all walks of life who have a strong common bond.
To join and participate in a healthy way of life – back to the elements and nature.
To educate our new generations with age-old life principles in a fun and exciting way.
To gain valuable insights and knowledge about the activities as well as opportunities and businesses related to sailing.
For those already sailing
To expand and strengthen the sailing community and increase participation in your local communities
To support sailing/marine businesses and improve technology, quality and affordability
To preserve maritime heritage and advance sustainability to protect our oceans
You can participate and support World Sailing Day in a number of different ways. You can simply visit a WSD event as a VISITOR or you can join and become a member of the World Sailing Day community by registering as either a YOUTH member, SAILING FAN, SAILOR or PATRON. It is also possible to support WSD as a VOLUNTEER.
As a Visitor to World Sailing Day events there is no cost however you will need to register with WSD in order to book places for events or receive newsletters.
As a sailing supporter (either FAN, SAILOR or PATRON level member) or as a commercial Partner, there are nominal annual costs for each. Please see below or go to WSD Fees for an overview of the costs.
Please note that independently organised partner events may charge a local fee. Please consult the event information to see if there is an applicable WSD discount for the particular event.
YOUTH > Younger interested persons under the age of 18 (Youth members) may register for the WSD youth membership program only. There are NO fees charged for youth memberships.
VOLUNTEERS >There are no fees charged for volunteers, however Volunteers are required to perform various tasks during the year to support WSD.
All Membership Types
Membership
MEMBERSHIPS
There are four types of WSD support membership:
1. SUBSCRIBER/SUPPORTER > just sign-up and show your support of World Sailing Day – and it free ! You will receive event notifications,news and updates.
UPGRADE YOUR SUPPORT FOR SAILING BY BECOMING A PAID MEMBER FOR A NOMINAL AMOUNT ! Proceeds go to supporting the WSD organisation and promoting young sailors of all types around the world!
2. FAN membership > For those who are considering, or have just started sailing.
3. SAILOR membership > For those who are already sailing or want to be involved in sailing more actively and also for those who would like to be fully involved in WSD. For example, supporting sailing trainings or sailing charities, club fund raisers etc.
4. PATRON membership > Highest level of support specifically for those who wish to provide private financial support either to WSD, iits projects or the World Sailing Day Awards.
VOLUNTEERS & AMBASSADORS
You are also able to apply to become a VOLUNTEER. Volunteers can offer their support on part time, full time or occasional basis. The support areas include: event aid, promotion, organisation, on the water. Please contact us for more information. Please apply here.
Ambassadors – Ambassadors are appointed as either honourary positions in a specific sailing type/area or industry with the objective of promoting sailing and these are non-remunerated roles. World Sailing Day has also “Connectors” which are the Ambassadors who are appointed to engage with the companies and organisations for the purpose of raising funds, sponsorships and establishing commercial arrangments. These positions provide financial cmpensation/rewards on succcess.
YOUTH
Youth sailors under 21 years old may join the WSD youth program. For all amateur sailing sporting activities the youth are encouraged to also join WORLD SAILING .
EVENT VISITORS
Visitors are invited to participate in all WSD sailing events around the world. Visitors are not members, however, Visitors are encouraged to register to receive the free WSD Newsletter and receive event updates and as such become World Sailing Day supporters/subscribers.
A WSD Supporter/Subscriber is an individual who has signed up on the World Sailing Day website. There is no charge to become a Subsciber – in fact you are rewarded by receiving 1000 free Sailing Miles ! Subscribers automatically receive a WSD account page, are allowed to list free of charge a sailing event free on the World Dailing Day platform calendar, receive news and updates. To gain the free 1000 Sailing Miles, subscribers need only register at SailingMiles.com to gain access to their Sailing Miles digitial wallet.
A FAN member is an individual who has an interest in becoming involved in sailing or related sailing activities and actively supports the establishment of World Sailing Day by paying a minimal annual fee and who registers him/herself as such. Sailing FANs receive special benefits from WSD and its partners such as prioritized event notification, free access to various events. Also each year, FAN members receive a free SAILING MILES. See the benefits overview for details !
- After registration you shall receive a digital membership card
- Receive prioritized notifications and invitations (and special prices) to participate in all WSD sailing events around the world.
- Free newsletter with sailing articles and special offers/discounts on from WSD and Partners.
- Upgrade your engagement to SAILOR status at any time.
- As Fan you can register as member of SAILING MILES and receive starters free SAILING MILES.
- For each year of renewed membership you will be rewarded with additional free SAILING MILES!
The annual FAN membership cost is 15.00 GBP if you are not a member of any sailing club or association. If you are a member, the annual membership cost is 12.00 GBP. Please indicate on your WSD MyAccount profile page which club or clubs you are a member and the discounted membership rate shall be applied.
Date of registration is the date payment is received by WSDO.
Simply click HERE and register first as a Supporter/Subscriber with your email only. Your WSD MyAccount will be automatically created. You can access your account via social sign-on or personal password. In your MyAccount page, go to Memberships and choose which membership level you would like. For questions, please send an email via our CONTACT page. Persons under the age of 18 may not register as a FAN – please choose YOUTH MEMBER (this is free).
A SAILOR member is an individual who ACTIVELY supports the establishment of World Sailing Day by paying a nominal annual fee and who registers him/herself as such. SAILOR members will receive special benefits over and above those provided to FAN members. These include for example receiving higher discounts on each WSD event and also receiving additional free starter SAILING MILES for sailing related events as well as tailored offers based on the reported interests.
- After registration you shall receive a digital membership card
- Email invitation to all WSD events (free as well as paid) with higher priority than the FAN members.
- Free newsletter with sailing articles (for your chosen area of interest) and greater discounts than those offered to FAN members.
- Free newsletter with events/special offers/discounts on WSD with free ticket each month to the SailingMiles sweepstakes and discounted tickets on the WSD raffles.
- Receive prioritized notifications and invitations (and special prices) to participate in all WSD sailing events around the world.
- As SAILOR member you can register on SAILING MILES and receive free miles. – and each year of membership renewal these will be added to !
The annual SAILOR membership cost is 25.00 GBP if you are not a member of any sailing club or association. If you are a member, the annual membership cost is 20.00 GBP. Please indicate on your WSD MyAccount profile page which club or clubs you are a member and the discounted membership rate shall be applied.
Date of registration is the date payment is received by WSDO.
Simply click HERE and register first as a Supporter/Subscriber with your email only. Your WSD MyAccount will be automatically created. You can access your account via social sign-on or personal password. In your MyAccount page go to Memberships and choose which membership level you would like. Click on SAILOR membership. For questions, please send an email via our CONTACT page. Persons under the age of 18 may not register as a FAN – please choose YOUTH MEMBER (this is free).
The FAN membership has been created specifically to cater for people new to the sailing world and who have a starting interest. FAN membership has the lowest annual cost.
The SAILOR membership is aimed at those who have already started sailing or who have a more serious interest than the FANS. Newsletters and information are extended and more indepth. SAILOR members receive additional special tailored offers based on their reported interests and higher discount benefits than FAN members. SAILOR membership has a higher annual cost than FAN membership (c. GBP 8 per year).
PATRON membership is the highest level of WSD support where Patrons choose to support WSD by way of substantial annual donations. These donations are used to finance the WSDO, its projects and Youth Sailing. Patrons gain automatic SAILOR membership and are included in the VIP Events for free. Direct contact with WSDO is required for application. Patrons can be anonymmous or also linked to th particular project they fund.
Yes. If your club is affiliated in the year that you have started your WSD membership, then you will pay a lower fee. Please see the WSD Annual Membership Fees Overview table below. Also please note that your club shall also receive additional free SAILING MILES when you join as an individual member!
No. only one club affiliation reduction is allowed for each member (applied to both FAN and SAILOR memberships). However, each of your clubs will receive additional SAILING MILES !
| YOUTH MEMBER | FREE |
| SUBSCRIBER/SUPPORTER | FREE |
| VOLUNTEERS (Ambassadors and Volunteers) | FREE – see Ambassador page / Volunteer page for details |
| FAN | Annual Fee : GBP 15 or GBP 12 as club member |
| SAILOR | Annual Fee : GBP 25 or GBP 20 as club member |
| PATRON | Donation based |
Clubs and Associations
By becoming a WSD affiliate club you are helping strengthen and grow sailing globally.
The promotion of a single focal point on 28th May each year by your club locally will raise sailing awareness to the general public both in your local area as well in the internationally so that:
- New people can be introduced to sailing and your club
- You can benefit from increased press and media coverage
- promotional materials, event, media and press toolkits can be shared (provided by WSD)
- new opportunities for sponsorship and partnerships can be created for sailing and your club
- inclusion, heritage & sustainable marine initiatives can be supported
- your club can also promote and stimulate your local sailing industry and vice-versa.
- by submitting nominations for the Golden Sail Awards, you can highlight the leading individuals and businesses around you to your fellow sailors, clubs and the public around you – as well as internationally.
It is simple. You can click HERE, to register. You will need to provide contact details for the responsible contact person and know the number of members you have at the time of registration to calculate the WSD membership fee.
Club affiliations are renewed annually starting on the 1st of June.
For any questions, please send an email via our CONTACT page.
As an affiliated Club/association you shall (amongst others):
- Receive the WSD media kit
- Receive the WSD day and week program models
- Receive the joining package of SAILING MILES for the club.
- Club newsletter focussed on sharing sailing initiatives and focussing on active individuals or entities.
- You will be listed on the WSD participating Club List.
- Your activities will be listed and promoted on the WSD website.
- Be eligible to submit nominations for the Golden Sail Awards and the Sailing Hall of Fame (individuals are not able to submit nominations independently).
- Access and use the Meet your MATCHMAKER financing and sponsorship platform.
For more details please see the CLUB page and for further information or inquiries please send an email via our CONTACT page.
The annual cost of becoming an affiliated club is calculated according to the number of registered members. The cost per member if GBP 1.00. The numbers of members are taken as of the 28 may each year. If your club membership fluctuates, the membership fee will be adjusted accordingly.
It is simple. You can click HERE, to register. You will need to provide your clubs details, number of members and a designated contact person.
For any further assistance, or information, please see the CLUB page or send your inquiries by email to us via our CONTACT page.
Partner
A WSD Partner is an individual or company which supports World Sailing Day and which wishes to join and participate by either supporting activities already scheduled, or proposing new activities for inclusion to the World Sailing Day itself (and, or the events leading up to this).
By becoming a WSD Partner company you will be able to participate in all events which will be promoted thoughout the world. Further you are able to submit nominations for the Golden Sail Awards , the Hall of Fame and you will also be able to participate at a preferential rate and also with special starting package with the SailingMiles.com loyalty and rewards program.
You will have access to the media center, the events formats database and partner directory. Further, partipation to the regionalized newletters to members as well. Through the World Sailing Day volunteer program, you will also be able to promote and advertise your event or activity to our volunteer database.
The annual cost of partnership with World Sailing Day varies dependingon the type of partner you become. Commercial Partnerships starts at GBP 100 (116 Euro ) per year as an affiliate member and 250 GBP (290 Euro) per year as a full member. Please register on our contact page (as Partner) to receive the Partner Membership information.
Yes. registration has started. Please go to our contact form, register and we shall respond shortly.
Yes – WSD Partner can join easily and benefit from being an Original Miles Partner (with discounted rewards miles). Once registered as a World Sailing Day partner you will receive information on the SailingMiles program.
Please see the section on SAILING MILES for more specific benefits. Below you will find ten general possible benefits of joining.
Increased Customer Retention – Encourages repeat purchases and long-term brand loyalty.
Higher Sales Volume – Members often spend more than non-members.
Access to Consumer Data – Valuable insights into purchasing behavior and preferences.
Targeted Marketing Opportunities – Ability to send personalized offers and promotions.
Enhanced Brand Visibility – Inclusion in program communications, app listings, and co-branded promotions.
New Customer Acquisition – Exposure to a wider audience through the program’s member base.
Cross-Promotion with Other Partners – Benefit from the network effect and shared audiences.
Differentiation from Competitors – Stand out by offering added value through rewards.
Stronger Customer Engagement – Opportunities to build emotional connections with loyal users.
Performance Tracking and ROI Metrics – Transparent reporting to measure effectiveness and ROI of participation.
WSD Awards 2026
The annual World Sailing Day Awards have two parts. First is “The Golden Sail”, awards which recognise the achievements of that year in 5 fields (techical, organisational. hosting. media and arts areas ) which have pronmoted sailing and the sailing industry. The second part is “The Hall of Fame” awards which recognise and celebrate those who have left a lasting impact on the world of sailing.
The broad categories for the Golden Sail”, awards are for:
Technical: recognising Marine & sailing Technologies, Construction materials and processes and Equipment which have impacted sailing accessibility, safety and performance.
Organisation: recognising club, association or an organisation’s impact on the experience and participation of members and the innovation in club activities, for both members and prospective members.
Hosting: recognising the role of marinas, ports and cities in the promotion of sailing and the facilitation and improvement of access to sailing through hosting excellence and promotional activities.
Media: recognising the contributions that have been made by all types of media companies which have through their operation and work benefitted sailing, sailors, the sailing industry especially in the improving partipation in events.
Authors and Arts: A special awards category which is aimed at recognising excellence in the creation of valuable sailing related onor off line content (journalistic, topical, creative, historic) which either teaches, shares or promotes sailing. Also included in this category is the performance arts (music/song/dance programming).
Any individual or entity.
All award nominations (both Golden Sail and Hall, of Fame) must be submitted via a registered World Sailing Day organisation (club/asscoiation/partner). General Public submissions (non-members) can be submitted directly to the World Sailing Day organisation however each submission must have a minimum of 1000 supporters to be considered.
Closure of nomination submissions is 31/01/2025
Award date – 28/05/2026.
Other dates shall be published on 01/10/2025.
The awards criteria will be published on 15 September 2025.
An independant jury under the leadership of the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Directors of The Golden Sail Awards shall determine the recipients of the award. In the semi-finalist determination, a pubic online selection shall take place.
There is no cost for participation as an inductee to the Hall of Fame or recipient of a Golden Sail Award. (All application nd processing costs shall be refunded to award recipients).
There is a nominal 50GBP (circa. 58 euros) applicastion processing fee for each and all nomination applications.
Requests for application sponsoships can be made to WorldSailingDay (email: aid@worldsailingday.org)
Media
You can request your media package by sending us an email to : media@worldsailingday.org AFTER you have registered your organisation. Please also provide a short description of your sailing activities and main use of the materials – as we have many different styules and formats – not all are in our media center downloads. The download center will go live on 01/10/2025.
A media partner is any communications company or individual active in the print, digital, and broadcast platforms communications areas (this iincludes print and digital magazines, blogs, tv, youtube channels, influencers, journalists, advertising and media companies etc.).
Any of the companies listed above who have an interest to promote the World Sailing Day, sailing, the sailing industry and sailing in general and who have registered with World Sailing Day as a Media Partner,
The media center will go live on line on 01/10/2025. Before this time you can send your requests lto media@worldsailingday.org.
Simply click HERE, register your account or sign in, and access your account. For questions, please send an email via our CONTACT page.
Sailing Miles
SailingMiles is the first global loyalty program tailored to the global sailing community and marine industry at large. SailingMiles rewards sailors, boating enthusiasts with exclusive benefits, discounts, and rewards worldwide.
The SailingMiles Program is a next generation loyalty program where both traditional Standard Sailing Miles are offered as well as Premium Sailing Miles Tokens are offered. The SailingMiles Program has also been structured to be extended for use between companies operating in the marine industry, to strengthen the loyalty between them and to create a trust ecosystem.
The purpose of the SailingMiles program is to create a global loyalty program which will incentivise non-sailors and sailors alike to become more active, over a longer period in sailing by saving and collecting SailingMiles.
By offering discounts and special incentives, by way of the SailingMiles loyalty program, clubs, associations, companies can promote their products, events, activities and marine businesses and the collectors can have their purchases and efforts rewarded.
The SailingMiles program has an important role to play in fostering trust between the businesses using SMT’s and also supporting the creation of sailing development initiatives and charities.
he Standard SailingMiles program differentiates itself from all other loyalty programs by being a hybrid system including all the best elements of traditional systems where members earn points for purchases (Points-based system), where benefits are unlocked as spending increases (Tiered/VIP system) and where in the premium categories a percentage is paid back on purchases made (Cashback).
The Standard SailingMiles or points are redeemable with partners through the SailingMiles Partnership programs and the program also includes Gamified challenges rewarding SailingMiles for completed tasks. Standard Sailing Miles are not transferable, but can be exchanged for Premium SailingMiles and third-party purchases are permitted.
The Premium SailingMiles program is focussed on value retention by creating an ecosystem issuing tokens (SailingMile Tokens SMT’s) and using blockchain technology to ensure security, transparency, automation and global accessibility. This next generation blockchain-powered loyalty program creates an ecosystem tailored to the global sailing and marine industry and enables Sailing Miles to transferred via automated smart contracts.
By enabling vendors such as marinas, schools, retailers, lifestyle brands, shipyards, fuel docks , builders and service providers to issue proprietary SailingMiles Tokens (SMTs) (and optionally integrate digital currencies transactions), the Premium SailingMiles program builds value, transparency, and engagement across the sailing community.
- The Sailing Miles Program is to be announced on 23rd July 2025 at the St. Kathrine’s Dock, London. Early Registration for the SailingMiles program membership will start at this time by completing the “SeaMiles Starter” application form on the CONTACT page of www.worldsailingday.org .
- Registered World Sailing Day members may purchase SeaMiles as part of the ORIGINAL issue and at a specially discounted cost.
- Standard SailingMiles will go on sale on the 15th August 2025.
- Premium SailingMiles (SMTs) will go on sale on the 20th August 2025.
- The SailingMiles Program (and website www.sailingmiles.com ) will go live on the 1 September 2025.
SAILING MILES Partner Program (Vendors) registration start
- The Sailing Miles Partner Program registrations will open on 24th July 2025 for partners who want to benefit from the Early Adopters Special Offers.
- The Sailing Miles Partner Collector registrations will open on 24th July 2025 for collectors who want to benefit from the Early Adopters Special Offers.
SAILING MILES Purchases by World Sailing Day Fans, Sailors, Patrons and Partners
- SailingMiles (both Standard and Premium)may be redeemed from 1st October 2025.
- SailingMiles program partners who have acquired SAILING MILES to distribute to customers can do so via the SailingMiles app as from 1 October 2025.
SAILING MILES Sales to the Public (Not World Sailing Day members)
- SailingMiles (both Standard and Premium) will go on sale on 15th October 2025.
- Pre-Registration for SailingMiles membership is now open.
You are welcome to register as SailingMiles membership and order your SAILING MILES as either collector, vendor or partner here.
YES. Both Standard and Premium SailingMiles are available for purchase from SailingMiles.com at a reduced price during the pre-go-live period (up to 1 September 2025) as well as during the SeaMiles start period (1 September 2025 to 31 December 2025).
Collectors are rewarded for supporting the establishment of World Sailing Day and the SailingMiles Loyalty program and will receive “Original Miles” during this pre-registration period at a reduction of 20% which assures Collectors of an additional value of 20% for the miles. This offer ends at 24:00 hours GMT on 1 September 2025.
During the period 24:00 hours GMT on 1 September 2025 and 24:00 hours GMT on 31st December, 2025, Collectors will be able to purchase “Starter Miles” at a reduction of 10% which assures Collectors of an additional value of 10% for the miles.
Standard Sailing Miles
You are able to spend your collected Standard Sailing Miles from 1st October 2025. From this date, your miles will be redeemable from SailingMiles Program partners as well as from the World Sailing Day Organization’s events within a period of 24 months. You may also exchange your Standard SailingMiles for Premium SailingMiles during this period.
Premium Sailing Miles
You are able to spend your collected Premium Sailing Miles Tokens (SMTs) from 15th October 2025. From this date, your miles will be redeemable from SailingMiles Program partners as well as from the World Sailing Day Organization’s events within a period of 48 months unless extended by the owner of the SMT within the period.
Standard SailingMiles expire after 24 months.
Premium SailingMiles (SMT’s) expire after 48 months unless extended by the owner of the SMT within this period.
The value of the SailingMiles at the start of issuance (20th August 2025) – is estimated to be :
- One Standard SailingMile 10 pence (circa. 0,12 euro cents)
- One Premium SailingMile (SMT) 50 pence (circa. 0,58 euro cents)
(Please revert back to this section for an update)
As SailingMiles can be spent, collected or converted in a number of different ways, there isn’t a way to calculate a specific pounds valuation and the value will vary also depending on what you spend them on and when.
As an example, you are able to purchase SailingMiles the Initial Issue (Original SeaMiles) at a 20% discount from SailingMiles, but are able to spend these on marina berthing, equipment, services, clothing and each vendor will determine how many SailingMiles will be required for the complete or part purchase of the product.
Contact us
Any other questions?
We are happy to assist you with anything else you may need.
Please feel free to reach out to us at any time.