Chartering our Course - 2026 Q1 Charter Barometer

Click the image above to see the full size images and also to access the SA Sailing Charter Barometer Q1/2026

Charting Our Course: What the 2026 Charter Barometer Q1Tells Us About South African Sailing

As part of SA Sailing's commitment to transparency, transformation and sustainable growth, the Quarterly Charter Barometer provides an opportunity to assess where we stand as an organisation and where additional effort is needed to achieve our long-term vision.

The Quarter 1 Barometer, based on data as at 30 June 2026, presents both encouraging progress and clear areas requiring focused attention.

While collective club membership remains strong at over 10,500 and active sailors nationally show participation continues across eight provinces, the report demonstrates that growth alone will not achieve the ambitious outcomes set for 2029. Success will depend on the collective efforts of clubs, classes, sailors, coaches, officials and volunteers across the country.

What Is Working Well?

Several indicators show encouraging progress.

Training and education remain a particular strength, with accredited training activities continuing to develop new sailors and instructors across the country. Participation within national high-performance pathways also continues to show positive momentum, particularly among youth sailors.

Female participation remains an area of steady improvement and several provinces continue to demonstrate leadership in creating welcoming and inclusive sailing environments.

Club membership numbers remain stable despite economic pressures affecting many sports and recreational activities.

These successes reflect the commitment of clubs, classes, training centres, volunteers and sailors who continue to invest their time and energy in maintaining and growing the sport.

Where Do We Need To Improve?

The Barometer also highlights several areas where progress remains below the trajectory required to achieve 2029 Charter objectives.

Diversity and Transformation

Representation of Black African sailors remains well below the desired levels across several categories.

This is not simply a statistical target—it is a reflection of whether sailing is effectively reaching all communities within South Africa and creating pathways for participation regardless of background.

Youth Development

Although youth participation exists within our development and high-performance pathways, broader youth recruitment remains a challenge.

For many young people, sailing is still not visible or accessible enough as a sporting option.

Local Competition Activity

A strong sport depends on regular competition opportunities.

The Barometer indicates that local events, school competitions, inter-club activities and entry-level participation opportunities remain below target in many areas.

Leadership and Capacity Development

Transformation is not only about participants on the water.

The development of coaches, instructors, race officials, administrators and volunteers from historically underrepresented groups remains a significant area for improvement.

What Can Clubs Do?

Clubs remain the engine room of South African sailing and have perhaps the greatest influence on future growth.

Practical actions include:

• Building stronger relationships with local schools.
• Hosting regular open days and "Try Sailing" events.
• Creating mentorship programmes for new members.
• Reviewing membership structures to reduce financial barriers.
• Actively recruiting and supporting female and youth sailors.
• Identifying volunteers with potential to become coaches, instructors and officials.

Even small initiatives undertaken consistently can have a significant long-term impact.

What Can Classes Do?

Class associations are uniquely positioned to influence participation pathways.

Classes can contribute by:

• Supporting development fleets and shared equipment programmes.
• Creating welcoming entry-level events for inexperienced sailors.
• Encouraging regional participation rather than concentrating events in a small number of established venues.
• Including coaching clinics and development sessions alongside regattas.
• Establishing mentorship opportunities between experienced sailors and newcomers.

Strong classes create strong participation pathways.

What Can Individual Sailors Do?

The future of sailing is not determined solely by organisations.

Each sailor can make a meaningful contribution by:

• Introducing a friend or family member to sailing.
• Volunteering at club events.
• Assisting with Learn to Sail programmes at Recognised Training Centers.
• Acting as a mentor to new sailors.
• Supporting inclusion initiatives within their club.
• Pursuing coaching, instructing or officiating qualifications.

The most effective ambassadors for sailing are often the sailors already enjoying the sport.

Looking Ahead

The Charter Barometer is not intended to be a report card issued by SA Sailing. Rather, it is a tool that helps the sailing community understand where collective effort is producing results and where additional focus is needed.

The data shows that South African sailing has a solid foundation. Membership remains strong, training pathways continue to grow, and many clubs and volunteers are doing exceptional work.

However, the Barometer also reminds us that achieving the goals of Charter 2029 will require broader participation, stronger development pathways, greater diversity and more opportunities for sailors to engage at every level of the sport.

By working together—clubs, classes, provinces, training centres and individual sailors—we can turn today's challenges into tomorrow's successes and ensure a stronger, more inclusive future for sailing in South Africa.

Editor's Note / Call-Out Box

Key Questions for Every Club and Class

Ask yourself:

✅ Have we introduced at least one new sailor this year?

✅ Have we partnered with a local school or youth organisation?

✅ Have we provided affordable entry-level opportunities?

✅ Have we developed new instructors, coaches or officials?

✅ Are we actively working to broaden participation within our community?

If every affiliated organisation can answer "yes" to these questions, sailing in South African will be significantly closer to achieving its Charter 2029 goals.

This version avoids drawing attention to individual provinces that may be underperforming and instead creates a constructive "call to action" while still acknowledging the KPI and Charter Barometer findings. For a newsletter, I would recommend accompanying it with a simple infographic showing:

• Membership position vs 2029 target
• Female participation
• Youth participation
• Transformation indicators
• Clubs and training centres
• Top 3 areas of progress
• Top 3 focus areas for improvement