Yacht Racing Forum: One month to go

Yacht Racing Forum © Yacht Racing Forum

In a month, the Yacht Racing Forum will bring together leading figures from across the international sailing and yacht racing industry for two days of conferences, debate, networking and business.

Now in its 16th edition, the Forum is the annual business conference for the yacht racing industry, providing a unique meeting point for event organisers, professional teams and sailors, designers, engineers, marine industry executives, sponsors, venues, media and governing bodies.

This year's programme will address some of the most important opportunities and challenges shaping the sport and its industry, from the future of sailing events and race formats to artificial intelligence, sponsorship, technology, participation, sustainability and commercial development.

A high-level line-up of speakers

The conference will open on Thursday, November 19, with a keynote address by Sam Watson, CEO of North Technology Group, followed by a session entitled State of the Industry, chaired by Olympic gold medallist and broadcaster Shirley Robertson. The panel will bring together senior representatives from across the sport and industry to discuss the economic, commercial and geopolitical forces currently shaping yacht racing.

On Friday, November 20, Marzio Perrelli, CEO of The America's Cup, will deliver the opening keynote, providing delegates with insights into the future of sailing's most prestigious competition.

Other confirmed speakers include leading figures from The Ocean Race, IMOCA, World Sailing, SailGP, European Boating Industry, ICOMIA, 11th Hour Racing, Ferrari Hypersail, VPLP Design, Antigua Sailing Week and many other organisations at the forefront of the sport.

From AI to the world's most innovative race boats

Artificial intelligence will feature prominently in this year's programme. A dedicated session will examine how AI is transforming yacht design, performance analysis, race strategy, broadcasting, communications and commercial development - and where human judgement will remain essential.

Innovation will also take centre stage in "The World's Coolest New Race Boats!", hosted by Matthew Sheahan. The session will provide a behind-the-scenes look at three highly innovative projects: Ferrari Hypersail, the Mach 50 Palanad 4 and Baltic Yachts' foiling superyacht Raven, presented by some of the people directly involved in their development.

Another session will look beyond yacht racing to explore how engineers and technologies from the racing world are contributing to the decarbonisation of commercial shipping, particularly through wind-assisted propulsion, composites, wind sensing and data analysis.

Growing the sport - and the business behind it

The Yacht Racing Forum will also address one of sailing's fundamental challenges: how to attract more people to the sport.

A dedicated "Growing the Sport" session will examine the barriers to participation, the perception of sailing as expensive or difficult to access, and the initiatives that can make the sport more welcoming and accessible.

Other sessions will explore sponsorship and commercial partnerships, host venues, event management, race formats and the future of major international sailing events and classes.

Business and networking at the heart of the Forum

Coffee breaks, lunches and informal discussions are designed to give delegates time to develop new contacts, strengthen existing relationships and explore partnerships and business opportunities.

On Thursday evening, the Sailors' Night will bring the international yacht racing community together in a relaxed and informal setting.

Celebrating yacht racing photography

The Forum will also host the awards ceremony of the 17th Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award. The winners will be announced and celebrated on Friday, November 20.

Where the yacht racing community and industry meet

The Yacht Racing Forum will once again provide delegates with a unique opportunity to combine the industry's major trade show, Metstrade, with two days dedicated specifically to the business and future of yacht racing.

With one month to go, the countdown to Amsterdam has begun.

The Yacht Racing Forum takes place on November 19-20, 2026, at RAI Amsterdam.

For more information and registration: www.yachtracingforum.com