Incumbent President Quanhai Li of China was re-elected for a second term, securing 55 votes in the first and only round of voting. He was re-elected over competitors Rodion Luka (Ukraine), who received two votes, and Philippe Rogge (Belgium), who garnered 29 votes. President Li expressed his gratitude to the MNAs and stakeholders, committing to advancing the sport’s interests over the next four years.
A shout out to our cousins across the Tasman Sea, among the newly elected Vice Presidents is Australia’s Daniel Belcher, former President of Australian Sailing and Board member from 2014 to 2022. Belcher, a respected figure in the sailing community, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the World Sailing Board. He will serve a four-year term alongside fellow Vice Presidents Özlem Akdurak (Turkey), Tomasz Chamera (Poland), Beatriz González Luna (Mexico), Line Markert (Denmark), Josep Pla Maronda (Andorra), and Cory Sertl (USA).
The 2024 elections marked the first instance of the newly adopted gender-parity requirement, ensuring equal representation of male and female members on the World Sailing Board. This change aligns with World Sailing’s commitment to inclusivity and fair representation within the sport’s leadership. The final Board member will be elected by the Athletes’ Committee early next year.
The Annual Conference also saw the approval of the final phase of the federation’s governance reform, which introduces a streamlined decision-making process, a new Code of Ethics, and an improved disciplinary framework. These reforms, unanimously approved by the World Sailing Council, aim to increase transparency and align World Sailing with the standards of modern global sporting bodies.
In addition to governance changes, the Council approved World Sailing’s five-year strategic plan, Ready for the Future, which will guide the organisation through to 2029. This strategy focuses on four key priorities: Commercial and Events, Growth, Governance, and Impact, setting a vision for the sport’s future on a global stage.
Further expanding its global reach, the Republic of Tajikistan was welcomed as the newest member of World Sailing, joining Group H and symbolising the sport’s continued international growth.
With these significant reforms and the election of a new Board, including Australia’s Daniel Belcher, World Sailing is well-positioned to advance its goals for a vibrant, sustainable, and widely accessible future in sailing.
