Categorisation

The Sailor Categorisation system (formerly known as Sailor Classifications) provides events and classes with an international system of sailor categorisation and a clear distinction between their 'professional' and 'amateur' status.

The Sailor Categorisation Code defines how sailors are categorised. It is the responsibility of the sailor to apply for a Categorisation and provide all information necessary to determine their category.

Categorisation Code Update

World Sailing has updated the Categorisation Code and is committed to ensuring that you are aware of what the changes are, that your Categorisation may be different, and why.

What has changed?

  • Wording to clarify the already existing position that sailors who receive support from their National Authority, National Olympic Committee or other government sources to train or compete are likely to be Group 3 sailors. This is because any coaching, strength and conditioning, psychology or physiotherapy services, or equipment provided by such organisations is effectively pay under the Code. This is clarified in 2.1.2(a) of the Code.
  • A new provision that any sailor who has been paid for work that includes the coaching of any competitor, crew or team to prepare for or compete at an event conducted under the RRS is now a Group 3 sailor. This is being paid to coach people to train for and compete in events under the RRS, not for general skills development in a learn-to-sail environment. This is added in 2.1.2(e) of the Code. Young coaches under 22 years of age who are only working part-time or casually may be able to apply for the exemption under 2.1.1(b)(ii) of the Code.
  • The events that automatically categorise a sailor as Group 3 have been updated to include the Olympic Sailing Competition, the Ocean Race, the Vendee Globe, the America’s Cup Series (including America’s Cup Challenger Series, America’s Cup Defender Series, America’s Cup Match), SailGP and the World Match Racing Tour. This is in 2.1.3 of the Code.
  • Changes that permit World Sailing to provide a sailor’s categorisation application and other details to a protest committee if needed. This is in clause 2.2.10 of the Code.
  • Wording to clarify the already existing position that the Categorisation Commission has the authority to act under the Code. These actions may include reviewing a sailor’s categorisation, deciding appeals, and in certain cases, changing, suspending or cancelling a sailor’s categorisation. This is in clause 3.2 of the Code.

Applying to be Categorised

An application for a first time categorisation or a subsequent renewal can be made from the Sailor Dashboard.

The application process is split into a number of stages with questions in English, although translation is available.

The Categorisations process requires that personal details are collected as part of the application process. Sailors who already have a World Sailing ID (Sailor ID) will already have a Dashboard profile and their previously-entered details will be pre-filled.

Much of this information is required by World Sailing to make contact in the event of a Review or similar action where additional information may be required.

Information required relates to:

  • Personal/contact details.
  • Sailing participation information to help us ascertain your skill level and experience as a sailor.
  • Employment history: we require details pertaining to the past 24 months worth of employment and any other work carried out during that period.

 

Our new, enhanced Categorisation system is now live. Add your categorisation through our new Sailor Dashboard.