Sailing Grand Slam – the new premier Olympic sailing series
by Kiel Week 14 Nov 03:53 PST
Kiel Week will be a part of the new Sailing Grand Slam (SGS) © Sascha Klahn
The realm of Olympic sailing is poised to attain new heights with the introduction of the Sailing Grand Slam (SGS) – an international series that unites the sport’s most renowned regattas along with the regatta at the 2028 Olympic venue.
Initiated in close partnership with World Sailing, this progressive initiative aims to create a worldwide platform for showcasing leading sailors as we approach the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
World Sailing has endorsed this initiative as a preliminary move towards revitalizing the World Cup Series, aligning with the commitments outlined in the international federation’s Olympic Vision.
The series will feature:
- Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofia – Mallorca, Spain
- Semaine Olympique Française – Hyères, France
- Dutch Water Week – Almere, Netherlands
- Kiel Week – Kiel, Germany
- Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta – Long Beach, USA
A cohesive vision for Olympic sailing
The five regattas share the goals outlined in World Sailing’s Olympic Vision, detailing plans to enhance sailing’s role within the Olympic Movement.
Together, the regattas intend to provide the following throughout the quad:
- A centralized website for updates and information
- A unified registration platform and event documentation, including a standard Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions
- A detailed media and communication strategy to boost the visibility of Olympic sailing globally
- Sustainability objectives that promote responsible practices across all events
- Additional collaborative initiatives with all stakeholders in Olympic sailing: including equipment provision and development of new formats aligned with Olympic standards.
Through collaboration, the series will also create a training program for race officials, work closely with World Sailing and Olympic Classes to implement optimal technology solutions for sailors and race management, and offer a platform for World Sailing and Olympic Classes to experiment with new formats and equipment.
Dirk Ramhorst, Head of Organization at Kiel Week, shared his excitement for the project: “The Sailing Grand Slam signifies a significant achievement for Olympic sailing. For the first time, the most prestigious regattas are joined and presented on a single platform. At Kiel Week, we are proud and thrilled to participate in this ambitious venture. Working alongside World Sailing and other event organizers, we aim to actively mold the future of sailing and elevate the international recognition of our sport.”
Initial details will be announced soon.
The consolidated Notice of Race, detailing entry requirements and event specifics, will be released in early December.
Collaborating with Olympic Classes and World Sailing, the Sailing Grand Slam intends to provide an unmatched competitive experience that enhances the visibility, integrity, and accessibility of Olympic sailing worldwide.
Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting new chapter.
