Düsseldorf, Germany – 24 January 2026 - At boot Düsseldorf, the world’s largest yacht and watersports show, the official launch of World Sailing Day was announced today. Scheduled annually on 28 May, the initiative aims to unite the global sailing community in a shared celebration of sailing, maritime heritage, and culture.

World Sailing Day is conceived as a worldwide movement designed to promote all types of sailing, inspire new audiences, and strengthen the sport’s future across generations and continents. From grassroots sailing clubs and youth programmes to manufacturers, ports, marinas, events, and destinations, the initiative invites the entire sailing ecosystem to participate in a single global day of activities, experiences, and storytelling.

More than 230 companies and organisations attending boot Düsseldorf have already expressed enthusiastic support for the initiative, signalling a shared commitment to growing sailing worldwide.

Simon Oberholzer, Founder and President of World Sailing Day, said:
“The response we are seeing at boot Düsseldorf is truly inspiring. The enthusiasm of more than 230 companies and organisations here shows that the sailing world is ready for a unifying global moment.”
He added:
“World Sailing Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a movement to celebrate sailing, to open it up to new audiences, and to secure its future for generations to come.”

Reflecting on the role of boot Düsseldorf, Oberholzer highlighted the importance of the show as a global platform:
“boot Düsseldorf has once again demonstrated its global importance as a meeting place for the sailing and watersports industry. We extend our sincere thanks to Petros Michelidakis and the entire boot Düsseldorf team for their work and for creating an
extraordinary platform that brings together innovation, passion, and global collaboration.”

A Global Platform for Growth, Inclusion and Innovation
World Sailing Day is designed as an open, inclusive and collaborative platform, enabling participants worldwide to create their own events and activations including festivals open days, sailing experiences to educational programmes, digital campaigns, and cultural celebrations.

By aligning global stakeholders around a single annual moment, the initiative aims to increase participation in sailing, strengthen connections between industry, clubs, and communities, inspire young people and new audiences, and amplify the visibility of sailing around the globe.

Looking Ahead to 28 May
The inaugural World Sailing Day will feature activities across the world, including the Night Lights Spectacle in participating marinas and ports, the World Sailing Day Awards in London, the Maritime Museum Open Day and a wide range of local initiatives from Düsseldorf to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. Ambassador, Partner and Event Registrations will officially open on 2 February 2026.

Individuals, organisations, brands, clubs, and communities are invited to join the organisation and become ambassadors and partners, contributing to shaping World Sailing Day as a lasting global tradition.
About World Sailing Day World Sailing Day is a global initiative dedicated to celebrating all forms of sailing and accelerating its growth worldwide.

More information: www.worldsailingday.org Media contact: press@worldsailingday.org