Sailing
Sailing is racing boats driven only by the wind and water around a course of marks. A boat starts when its hull crosses the start line after the starting signal; it must then pass each mark on the required side and in order before crossing the finishing line. A regatta is a series of races scored by place (one point for first, two for second and so on), and the lowest total wins. When boats meet, the right-of-way rules decide who keeps clear.
New to sailing? Start here
How long
A series of races, each scored by finishing place; the lowest total wins
Lengths are from the rule book.
The big events, and why they matter
- 1Olympic Games (sailing)The title sailing is measured by.Every 4 years · Holder: 10 events; the Netherlands top with 2 golds and…
- 2World Championships of each Olympic classEach Olympic boat class has its own world title.Yearly
- 3Asian Games (sailing)Asia's multi-sport title; for India often the most reachable major medal.Every 4 years · Holder: 14 events; Hong Kong top with 4 golds
India
- Sailing at the Olympic Games: No medal
- World championships of the Olympic sailing classes: No medal in these classes
Countries to know
India and the nations that have done best, biggest titles first.
- IndiaSailing at the Asian Games: 1 gold, 9 silvers, 16 bronzes (latest 2026)
- Great BritainSailing at the Olympic Games: 31 golds, 21 silvers, 13 bronzes (latest 2024); World championships of the Olympic sailing classes: 22 golds, 27 silvers, 24 bronzes (latest 2026)
- AustraliaSailing at the Olympic Games: 14 golds, 9 silvers, 8 bronzes (latest 2024); World championships of the Olympic sailing classes: 32 golds, 20 silvers, 16 bronzes (latest 2026)
- FranceSailing at the Olympic Games: 17 golds, 15 silvers, 21 bronzes (latest 2024); World championships of the Olympic sailing classes: 15 golds, 22 silvers, 15 bronzes (latest 2026)
- United StatesSailing at the Olympic Games: 19 golds, 23 silvers, 20 bronzes (latest 2024); World championships of the Olympic sailing classes: 10 golds, 10 silvers, 10 bronzes (latest 2026)
Who runs it
| Rules made by | World Sailing, The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028 |
| International federation | World Sailing |
| In India | Yachting Association of India (YAI): recognised, on the MYAS list for 2026 |
Where and when it is played
On open water, around a course of marks laid by the race committee. Boats race in classes. The big events: the Olympic Games every four years and the world championships of each Olympic class every year.