2025 EUROSAF Race Officials Exchange Programme: Progressive Discussions, Innovative Systems and Future Rules in Focus

This year’s EUROSAF Race Officials Exchange Programme Meeting, held in London, was a meeting of minds as it witnessed representatives from across 28 European nations convening with a common objective - to advance the future of sailing. With a staggering 149 events within 27 member countries up for discussion, the meeting was nothing short of eventful.

This session sought to allocate the 219 available spots for Race Officials in the 2025 sailing events across Europe. By the end of this engrossing consultation, 116 spots were awarded, pushing the anticipation for the remaining allocations to high gear.

Current sailing dynamics and future prospects were also examined through engaging discourse, especially with Andrés Pérez revealing the expected modifications for the 2025-2028 Rules of World Sailing. The anticipatory presentation encouraged thoughtful dialogue among the on-site judges. Additionally, Niall McLeod (RYA) displayed the innovative technologies deployed in SailGP, underscoring the potential advantages for spectators and umpires in our digitally-driven world.

As the programme drew to a close, heartfelt gratitude was extended towards the Royal Yachting Association, the organising Federation team, and all the enthusiastic participants. The expectation of continued progress is now set for January 2026, with Murcia, Spain, set to play host as the next location for this progressive meeting.