2025 Class Association Survey from Australian Sailing.
Australian Sailing is pleased to share the findings of our 2025 Class Association Survey. 52 Class Associations representing both state and national bodies across 35 unique classes provided their insights. This inaugural annual survey is essential for understanding how Australian Sailing can better support, connect, and grow our sailing community.
The Class Association Survey will take place every second year alternating with the Club Survey. Australian Sailing’s Head of Community Support and Events, Ben Callard, noted that “Class Associations play a critical role amongst sailing in Australia. Their input helps us shape better support, stronger pathways, and a more connected sport for everyone”.
Key Findings:
Cost Remains a Barrier to Participation
- Entry and ongoing participation costs remain the number one challenge, especially for juniors and families.
- Limited local manufacturing and the need for boat imports increase the financial burden.
Volunteer Shortages and Burnout
- Many class associations rely on a small, dedicated group of volunteers.
- Succession planning is a growing concern, with compliance and governance tasks often falling on the same few individuals.
Youth Retention and Pathways
- Many classes see a drop-off after the teenage years, as school, university, and work commitments compete with sailing.
- There is a need for clearer pathways to transition juniors into adult classes to keep them engaged in the sport.
Fragmented Fleets and Class Competition
- Smaller fleets are competing for sailors and resources.
- Multi-class regattas and collaboration present opportunities to build critical mass and increase participation.
Need for Marketing and Visibility
- Many classes want help with digital storytelling, promotion, and national recognition to attract new members.
- Successful examples like the Optimist and ILCA fleets demonstrate the power of strong branding.
Coaching Access and Affordability
- Access to qualified and affordable coaching remains a widespread challenge.
- Coordination between high-performance programs and class-led initiatives will be key to sustaining participation.
Desire for Greater Engagement with Australian Sailing
- Associations expressed a desire for proactive communication, strategic planning support, and shared resources.
- Requests included assistance with governance, event delivery, and a national collaboration platform for classes.
Class Success Stories: Inspiring Innovation
International Mirror Class Association of Australia: 2025 Nationals achieved 50% female participation, with sailors aged 8 to 60+.
- Sabre Sailing Association of Tasmania: Revitalised fleet via a community boat-building program, saving a local club from decline.
- ILCA Australia: Leading the way with its Girls ILCA 4 Solidarity Program, building lifelong pathways for women and girls in sailing.
- Australian Radio Yachting Association: Hosted a world-class IOM World Championship in Gladstone with full live streaming.
- WA Optimist Association: Delivered 50% year-on-year growth in membership, proving the impact of accessible junior programs.
Next Steps: Building a Stronger Future Together
From cost and volunteer challenges to the need for more visibility and pathways, these survey results highlight the areas where Australian Sailing and our Class Associations can work hand-in-hand. The results and learnings from this survey have been presented to the Australian Sailing Board and will feed into our new Participation Strategy for the sport nationally which is currently under development, due for completion before the end of 2025.
Our commitments:
- Expand marketing and promotional support for classes.
- Provide governance templates and administrative tools to ease the burden on volunteers.
- Facilitate cross-class networking and shared event opportunities.
- Strengthen pathways and coaching programs to keep sailors engaged for life.
Get Involved
2025 Class Association Survey Report 2025 SAI Participation Review Executive Report 2025 SAI Participation Review
Reports are also available on the Australian Sailing Resources website. Australian Sailing invites all classes, clubs, volunteers, and stakeholders to read, reflect, and get involved in shaping the future of the sport.
Australian Sailing – More People on the Water, In More Ways, More Often.
By Ben Callard, Head of Community Support & Events, Australian Sailing
