More clubs are engaging with Australian Sailing than ever before, but the message from around the country is equally clear. Clubs want practical support, stronger advocacy and a genuine partner to help them grow. 

Australian sailing clubs are optimistic about the future of the sport, recognising significant improvements in the support they receive from Australian Sailing while highlighting the challenges that continue to shape club life across the country. 

The 2026 National Club Survey, completed by 197 clubs from every State and Territory, provides the strongest evidence yet of what matters most to sailing clubs. With responses increasing by32 per cent compared with the previous survey in 2024, the results paint a clear picture of an organisation building stronger relationships with clubs while identifying where support is needed most. 

Perhaps most encouraging is that clubs believe Australian Sailing is listening. 

Engagement Reaches Its Highest Level Yet 

More than half of all responding clubs (56%) rated Australian Sailing's engagement as Good or Excellent, a significant improvement from 46% just two years ago. 

At the same time, the number of clubs reporting low levels of engagement has dropped dramatically, falling from 21% to only 8%. 

The survey also maintained a strong Net Promoter Score of 7 out of 10, demonstrating consistent confidence in the value Australian Sailing provides to affiliated clubs. 

No area of the organisation was more highly valued than the Club Support Team, with 170 clubs reporting direct engagement over the past year. 

Together, these results demonstrate that investment in local support, relationships and practical assistance is making a real difference. 

Challenges & Priorities  

Whether located in a regional community, a capital city or a coastal town, clubs shared remarkably similar priorities. 

Three themes emergedagain and again. 

Growing Participation 

Across Australia, clubs want to attract more people to sailing, grow membership, strengthen junior and youth pathways and improve the conversion of Learn to Sail participants into lifelong club members. 

Building Stronger Clubs 

Volunteers remain the lifeblood of sailing, but recruiting and retaining them continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing clubs. Developing instructors, coaches, officials and future committee members is equally important to ensuring clubs remain strong for years to come. 

Creating Sustainable Futures 

Financial sustainability, ageing infrastructure, insurance affordability and access to government funding were consistently identified as the biggest long-term issues facing clubs. 

Most importantly, the results show that progress is being made. 

Relationships with clubs are stronger. Participation initiatives are delivering positive outcomes. Clubs recognise the value of the support they receive. 

There is still plenty of work ahead, but one thing is clear. 

Australian Sailing's future success will continue to be measured by the success of its clubs. 

Please click here to view the National 2026 Club Survey Overview. 

Thank you to every club that took the time to complete the 2026 National Club Survey. Your insights are helping shape the future direction of Australian Sailing and ensuring we continue to invest where it matters most, supporting clubs to grow participation, build capability and create a sustainable future for sailing.