The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sailing Association (SVGSA) hosted a World Sailing Race Management Course – Level 1 from Feb. 20 to 22, at the SVG Sailing Association Centre of Excellence, Coconut Grove Beach Club.
The course brought together 15 participants from junior sailing clubs across Union Island, Bequia, Mayreau, and St. Vincent, strengthening race management capacity throughout the islands and supporting the long‑term development of sailing in the country.
In addition, three representatives from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority attended the course to gain practical race management experience in preparation for the 2026 SVG Sailing Week, scheduled to take place from March 29 to April 6.
The level 1 course was delivered by international instructors, Becky Ashburn and Jeff Johnson, both from the San Diego Yacht Club and internationally recognised Olympic‑level race officials.
“Race management is the foundation of great sailing events,” Becky Ashburn, World Sailing International Race Officer said.
“What stood out here in SVG was the enthusiasm, commitment, and willingness to learn. These participants are building the skills that will allow local clubs and major regattas to be run safely, fairly, and to true international standards.”
Participants received a blend of classroom instruction and practical, hands‑on learning aligned with World Sailing standards, focusing on the core skills required to manage club‑level sailing events with confidence.
“The goal of Level 1 is to teach officials the skills they can immediately use on the water,” Jeff Johnson, World Sailing International Race Officer said.
“By the end of the course, participants understand not just the ‘how’, but the ‘why’ behind race management decisions. That knowledge is critical as SVG prepares for larger international events like Sailing Week.”
The course forms part of World Sailing’s global education pathway, designed to build strong, knowledgeable race officials at grassroots and national levels.
Participants praised the course for its practical value and international exposure.
“This course opened my eyes to everything that goes into running a race that reflects World Sailing Association standards,” Nancy Saul-Demers, from the Mayreau Junior Sailing Club said.
“I now feel much more confident in helping deliver regattas that better prepare our young sailors for higher-level competition.”
Aina Browne of the SVGTA highlighted the long‑term impact on local sailing, saying learning directly from Olympic level officials was an incredible experience.
“The training equipped local officials with the technical competencies to strengthen sailing events in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to support the continued growth of our marine tourism sector. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority congratulates the SVG Sailing Association on this timely and successful initiative”.