Star Class Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
An Update on the Russian/Belarus Policy
Background
World Sailing has recently updated its policy regarding Russian/Belarussian sailors as follows:
Russian and Belarusian sailors, support personnel and race officials may once again take part in World Sailing–owned and World Sailing–sanctioned competitions, but only as “neutral participants.” In practical terms, this means:
This follows the guidelines of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which since 2023 has allowed individual athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete neutrally under strict conditions.
Updated Position of the International Star Class
Following meetings of the IGC, the International Star Class has updated its policy regarding Russian/Belarus athletes snd support personnel.
Wording in our Notice of Race templates will state:
1. To help preserve the integrity and safety of the Star Class, entries shall be open to competitors and support persons of all nationalities but not to competitors and support persons holding only Russian or Belarussian nationality. Exceptionally, athletes or support personnel who have an AIN classification, number issued by World Sailing, may compete as neutral participants, following the guidelines of the World Sailing Policy on this issue, with the further approval of the IGC. No representation of RUS or BLR will be allowed. The organizing authority may amend this rule following any further World Sailing decisions on the situation with Russia and Belarus
END
Paul Cayard
President, International Star Class Yacht Racing Association
