International Sailing Federation changes name to World Sailing as part of strategic overhaul

The ISAF has been rebranded as World Sailing ©ISAF

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has rebranded itself as "World Sailing" as part of a strategic shift in its governance approach today, it has been announced.

The name change - which seems largely a rhetorical strategy to hail in a new era - comes as the governing body strives to "significantly focus on change for the better".

More transparency, better communication, stronger governance and greater accountability will be prioritised, with the new motto, "A Sport for Life", reinforcing the team’s "dedication to the whole world of sailing, from an individual’s first step in a boat to the day they choose to hang up their salopettes".

"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," a statement explained.

"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.

The name change was explained by the body two-time Olympic gold medal winning chief marketing officer, Malcolm Page ©Getty Images — The name change was explained by the body's two-time Olympic gold medal winning chief marketing officer, Malcolm Page ©Getty Images

A broadly similar strategic review was approved by the World Taekwondo Federation yesterday, while the International Volleyball Federation introduced a raft of specific goals in October.

Other bodies to have changed their name in the last two years include the International Rugby Board, which became World Rugby, and the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, which became United World Wrestling.

“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, where competition was held in Weymouth, but preparations for Rio 2016 have been overshadowed by concerns over pollution levels in the Guanabara Bay venue.

The sport has also suffered the disappointment of being omitted from the Paralympic programme for the Tokyo 2020 Games.