World Sailing's Licensed Builders

We collaborate with top-tier boat builders around the globe to ensure the highest standards of construction and safety in sailing. Our licensed builders are recognised for their commitment to quality, innovation, and adherence to World Sailing’s strict regulations.

If you are a boat builder interested in obtaining a World Sailing license, we invite you to learn more about the application process and the benefits of being part of our esteemed network.

New Builder Application

Builders applying for a WS building license for the first time must undergo evaluation and pay the application fee. Below are the licence fees for this year

There are different specifications depending on the Class you want to build, but the general process is as follows:

1. Fill in the application form (Please find the application form below).
2. Pay the application fee.
3. WS requests approval from the Class Association and the Member National Authority (MNA).
4. An agreement between the builder and WS allows the builder to build one prototype.
5. Once the prototype is measured by an International Measurer and the measurement certificate is approved by WS, the builder can build more boats.

• Active Builder: A builder whose prototype measurement certificate is approved by WS. This builder pays the renewal fee before February and is authorised to build boats without any restrictions
• Dormant Builder: For builders who wish to retain their license without actively building boats. These builders pay a dormant fee (valid for up to five years) but are not authorized to build boats. To reactivate their license, they must pay an activation fee. If a builder remains inactive for five years, they must undergo the evaluation process again to reactivate their license; otherwise, they will become unlicensed
• Not Licensed: Builders who have not paid the license fee by February are not authorized to build boats. Builders unlicensed for less than 2 years can reactivate their license by paying a penalty fee without reevaluation. Builders without an ‘Active License’ for more than five years must undergo the evaluation process again before they can build boats.

*Active builders who wish to become Dormant should notify the office before November.

Builders pay an annual fee, which varies for Keelboat and Centreboard Classes. The builder’s license is valid for one calendar year. The office will provide one month’s notice before taking any action regarding unpaid fees. If the annual license fee is not paid, the builder’s status will be affected.

For more information, please reach out to our licensing team at technical@sailing.org.