News
Australian Sailing Welcomes Increased Participation Funding
Published Wed 24 Jun 2026
Australian Sailing has welcomed increased investment from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) for participation programs, alongside achieving the highest possible Play Well Classification Level of 10 out of 10.
A total of 58 sporting organisations will share in $21.75 million of Play Well funding over the next 12 months, with Australian Sailing being one of 36 sports nationally to receive a modest boost to recognise the organisation's commitment to growing participation and delivering quality experiences for sailors, volunteers, coaches and officials across the country.
Australian Sailing CEO Malcolm Page OAM said the result was a strong endorsement of the sport's participation vision and the work being undertaken across the sailing community.
"To be one of the 36 sports to receive an increase in Play Well funding, while also achieving the highest possible classification, is a fantastic outcome for sailing," Page said.
"This result reflects the collective effort of our Clubs, Class Associations, Discover Sailing Centres, volunteers and staff around the country."
ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said Play Well funding supports National Sports Organisations to create the right environments for participants to have positive experiences in sport.
“At its core, Play Well is about making sport a place where everyone feels welcome. This investment helps sports deliver the kind of experiences that keep people coming back.”
“Strong participation is essential to a thriving sport system. By investing in a diverse range of sports we’re building broader, more inclusive communities that benefit all Australians.”
A key feature of the announcement was Australian Sailing's outstanding result in the ASC's Play Well Investment Assessment, achieving a final adjusted score of 88.25 per cent and earning the highest possible Play Well Classification Level of 10 out of 10.
The assessment recognised Australian Sailing as a leading national sporting organisation, as evaluated across six categories:
- Connected Participants (Ranks sports by the number of unique connected players, coaches and officials)
- Participant Diversity Profile (Assesses whether a sport can capture key role types and diversity data)
- Quality of Experience (Measures participant, coach and official experience using a standardised measure)
- Annual Plan Delivery (Assesses progress in planning, delivering Play Well Initiatives and improving governance)
- System Contribution (Recognises engagement in ASC networks, data sharing and club capability activities)
- Stakeholder Engagement (Measures how effectively the peak body engages and works with its members)
The Quality of Experience measure was tracked through the ASC’s measurement program, which included a survey to the sport’s participants where Sailing ranked eighth among all eligible sports.
The investment will support the delivery of Australian Sailing's recently launched Participation Plan for Sailing in Australia, a whole-of-sport roadmap designed to make sailing more accessible, welcoming and flexible, and to grow participation through to 2032 and beyond.
The Plan outlines how Australian Sailing, Clubs, Class Associations and Discover Sailing Centres work together to get more people on the water, in more ways, more often.
Australian Sailing thanked the Australian Sports Commission for its ongoing partnership and support in helping more Australians experience the benefits of sport and active recreation.
Media Contact:
Michael Martin
Head of Marketing and Communications, Australian Sailing
0414 823 820
michael.martin@sailing.org.au
Michael Martin
Head of Marketing and Communications, Australian Sailing
0414 823 820
michael.martin@sailing.org.au
About Australian Sailing
Australian Sailing is the governing body for the sport of Sailing in Australia. We are responsible for the administration, promotion and development of sailing including managing our High Performance Australian Sailing team. As a member based organisation we represent the interests and provide services & support to over 360 clubs across Australia as well as more than 160 accredited Discover Sailing Centres.
Australian Sailing is the governing body for the sport of Sailing in Australia. We are responsible for the administration, promotion and development of sailing including managing our High Performance Australian Sailing team. As a member based organisation we represent the interests and provide services & support to over 360 clubs across Australia as well as more than 160 accredited Discover Sailing Centres.
