Under the programme, all six Olympic sailing classes will undergo a comprehensive life-cycle assessment (LCA), providing a full picture of the environmental impact of equipment across its entire lifespan — from raw material extraction and manufacturing through to campaigning, transport and end-of-life disposal.

A Data-Driven Approach to Sustainability

Central to the initiative is the use of MarineShift360, a purpose-built LCA tool for the marine industry, delivered by Marine Futures and supported by 11th Hour Racing. The platform will provide a consistent methodology, training and tools to enable manufacturers and class associations to generate independently verified environmental data.

This evidence-based approach moves sustainability beyond aspiration, giving World Sailing and its stakeholders the insight required to make informed, transparent decisions about equipment design, materials and long-term use.

Alexandra Rickham, Director of Sustainability at World Sailing, said:

“Sailing depends on a healthy ocean, and that gives us both a privilege and a duty to lead. This project provides the evidence we need to make smarter choices and shape the future of Olympic equipment. By working with our classes and manufacturers on a shared LCA framework, we can balance performance with environmental responsibility and help the whole sport move forward.”

Redefining Olympic Class Selection

The findings from the LCAs are expected to have a lasting impact on how Olympic sailing is governed. From 2032, any class seeking inclusion in the Olympic Games could be required to submit a verified life-cycle assessment as part of the selection process.

This represents a fundamental shift, placing environmental impact alongside athletic performance, cost control and universality when determining Olympic equipment — and signalling a new benchmark for sustainability governance in elite sport.

Julie Duffus, Head of Sustainability at the International Olympic Committee, highlighted the broader significance of the move:

“As expectations on sport continue to evolve, sustainability has to be built into decision-making. By integrating life-cycle assessment into its equipment rules, World Sailing is setting an important precedent, demonstrating how environmental impact can be considered alongside performance when shaping the future of the sport.”

Creating a Fairer Playing Field for Manufacturers

By establishing shared standards and transparent data, the project also aims to create a more level competitive landscape for boat builders. It creates the opportunity for manufacturers competing for Olympic selection to be assessed against consistent, measurable sustainability criteria, reducing ambiguity and rewarding genuine environmental innovation.

Ollie Taylor, Director of Marine Futures, described the initiative as a model for climate leadership in sport:

“World Sailing is showing what true climate leadership looks like. Our role is to turn data into insight — helping the industry understand where improvements will have the greatest impact and how collaboration can accelerate change.”

Impact Beyond the Olympic Fleet

While the focus is on Olympic equipment, the implications extend far beyond elite competition. Many of the manufacturers involved in Olympic production also supply recreational, youth and grassroots sailing markets. As a result, innovations driven at the top of the sport are expected to cascade throughout the wider marine industry, influencing how boats are designed and built worldwide.

The Road Ahead

The project is already underway, with the first manufacturer workshops held in October. Each Olympic class is expected to complete its assessment within a three-month window, coordinated by World Sailing’s technical team. Early adopters such as the iQFOiL and ILCA classes — which have previously undertaken individual assessments — will contribute valuable experience to the shared framework.

Future phases will expand the scope of the assessments to include athlete travel and equipment transport, supporting more sustainable event planning and logistics. The results will inform updated sustainability criteria for both equipment regulation and event operations.

Through this holistic, data-led approach, World Sailing is positioning itself at the forefront of environmental stewardship in sport — demonstrating how performance, innovation and sustainability can be aligned to shape the future of the Olympic movement.