Isaf Rebrands As World Sailing

09 Dec 2015 | tshego

Share on

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has rebranded to World Sailing as part of a strategic shift in its governance approach.

Under the new motto, ‘A Sport for Life’, more transparency, better communication, stronger governance and greater accountability will be prioritised as the governing body strives to “significantly focus on change for the better”.

Greater value will also be provided to Member National Authorities, Class Associations and Continental Federations, while initiatives developed to grow and broaden participation will be rolled-out.

“Sailing is one of the most inclusive sports in the world, regardless of gender, age or ability of a sailor, there is a boat for anyone and everyone to train and race in,” read a statement.

“It’s not unusual to see men and women racing alongside and against each other, grandparents sharing a boat with their grandchildren, or able-bodied and disabled sailors going head-to-head – all can compete on equal terms and this is what makes the sport unique.”

This comes as International Federations are striving to improve their approach to governance following recent corruption scandals engulfing football world governing body, FIFA, and the International Association of Athletics Federations.

“We are really looking forward to a new era of sailing governance and myself and the team are determined to make World Sailing the best that it can be,” added Malcolm Page, the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic 470 champion who is now the body’s chief marketing officer.

“It feels natural to develop our brand as the organisation evolves. The new identity satisfies all of the existing positive expectations of what our previous mark stood for, whilst moving the brand forward to acknowledge the maturity, functionality and diversity of sailing.

“We have great history and tradition and of this we are justifiably proud. However, in some areas, we were stuck in the past.

“Only by thinking and acting together, acting now, sharing one clear can powerful message, can we move beyond this, remain relevant and grow as a sport.”

Sailing enjoyed a strong Olympic Games at London 2012, but preparations for Rio 2016 have been overshadowed by concerns over pollution levels in the Guanabara Bay venue.