World Sailing successfully completes two certification and manufacturer audits

The visits to Wilfer Sail in Dongguan and IK Pacific in Hong Kong, China, form part of World Sailing’s ongoing programme of manufacturer audits, supporting the quality, consistency and traceability of sailing equipment used in competition.

Wilfer Sail – In-House Certification

The first audit took place at Wilfer Sail, one of the major sail manufacturers based in China and a participant in the World Sailing IHC Programme since 2023.

The IHC Programme allows manufacturers that meet World Sailing’s requirements to certify sails at the manufacturing facility. The system is designed to maintain the standards of traditional equipment control while reducing the time and cost associated with certification, allowing sailors to purchase equipment that is certified and ready for competition.

The audit at Wilfer Sail reviewed its manufacturing and certification processes, including the implementation of its Certification System and compliance controls.

Under the IHC Programme, World Sailing provided the training to the sailmakers enabling them to carry out the required equipment measurements and certification at the manufacturing facility. This ensures equipment is consistently certified and ready for use before leaving Wilfer Sail, helping streamline equipment checks at major sailing events.

Regular audits are an essential element of the IHC Programme, providing independent verification that the manufacturing and certification processes continue to meet the required standards.

IK Pacific – Manufacturer Certification System

The second audit was conducted at IK Pacific, a well-established manufacturer specialising in windsurfing, kite and wing equipment.

IK Pacific produces sails for the equipment used in the Olympic Windsurfing event (iQFOiL Class), making its manufacturing and quality-control processes an important part of the supply chain for Olympic equipment.

The audit was conducted under World Sailing’s Manufacturer Certification System (MCS), which provides a structured framework for monitoring manufacturers of Olympic equipment and supporting consistency throughout the production process.

The visit included a review of manufacturing procedures, quality-control processes and the systems used to ensure that equipment is produced consistently in accordance with the applicable specifications.

Maintaining quality at production

Manufacturer audits form an important part of World Sailing’s approach to equipment control.

The visits to Wilfer Sail and IK Pacific highlight the importance of continued cooperation between World Sailing and its equipment manufacturers and contribute to the ongoing development of robust and consistent equipment-control systems across the sport.

Jaime Navarro, World Sailing Technical & Offshore Director, said, “Regular on-site audits give us the opportunity to verify the processes directly at the manufacturing facility and, equally importantly, to work with manufacturers to continuously improve the way equipment is controlled.”

The Technical & Offshore Department will continue its programme of manufacturer audits and equipment inspections internationally, supporting World Sailing’s commitment to quality, consistency and a level playing field for sailors. More information about the programmes can be found on the World Sailing website.