October 1, 2026
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World Anti-Doping Code 2027 Prohibited List to come into force from 1 January
The updated World Anti-Doping Code (Code) Prohibited List will come into effect from 1 January 2027. It is the responsibility of all sailors and stakeholders, including coaches, medical personnel, and anyone else subject to the Code and World Sailing’s anti-doping rules, to familiarise themselves with the changes.
The primary focus for the 2027 Prohibited List centres on updated scientific definitions and clearer guidance regarding common classes of substances, helping athletes and their support teams better identify prohibited substances and methods.
Summary of the major changes for sailors for 2027
- Cannabinoids (S8): Changes were made to reflect current scientific knowledge on the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) like-effects of commonly encountered cannabinoids. To illustrate this, several examples were added.
- Glucocorticoids (S9): Vaginal glucocorticoid administration was added as a permitted route.
- Beta-blockers (P1): The details on sports disciplines were harmonised among International Federations.
- Further examples or clarifications: Clarifications have been added to the following substance classes to help athletes and their entourage better identify prohibited substances (such as Non-approved substances (S0), Hormone and metabolic modulators (S4), Diuretics and masking agents (S5) and Cannabinoids).
- Monitoring Program Updates: Several substances were removed, as enough data were gathered showing that at present, they do not represent a concern for anti-doping. It should also be noted that the status of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, will remain unchanged for 2027 pending further data becoming available on the possible effects on athletes who take them.
Antonio Cozzolino, World Sailing’s General Counsel, said: “World Sailing is firmly committed to its ‘I Sail Pure’ initiative and to clean, fair competition. The WADA Prohibited List amendments clarify the requirements for several controlled substances and methods. We remind all stakeholders that they are responsible for understanding and complying with these changes.
“Global anti-doping rules follow the principle of ‘strict liability’. Individuals are accountable for any banned substance in their system or prohibited method used, regardless of how it occurred or whether they intended to cheat. Ignorance is not a defence, so World Sailing is alerting stakeholders to the updated Prohibited List well in advance.”
Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)
Please be aware that all international-level athletes – including those racing at Olympic events, Youth World Championships, World Sailing Championships, World Sailing Inclusion Championships, The America’s Cup, and The Ocean Race – require Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) to be issued directly by World Sailing.
- Athletes who have a TUE issued by their National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) must forward a copy to World Sailing.
- For further information, consult the Anti-Doping section on the World Sailing website.
If you have any questions, require additional information, or need to submit a TUE application, please contact medical@sailing.org.