Australian Sailing Secures Funding Boost Following Top-Tier ‘Play Well’ Classification

Australian Sailing has been awarded an increase in participation funding from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), a recognition solidified by the organisation achieving the highest possible ‘Play Well’ Classification Level of 10 out of 10.

The announcement comes as part of a national $21.75 million investment package distributed among 58 sporting organisations to drive grassroots engagement and improve the quality of experiences for participants, volunteers, and coaches.

As one of 36 sports nationally to receive a funding uplift, Australian Sailing is set to channel the investment into its newly launched Participation Plan for Sailing in Australia.

Lauding the achievement as a testament to the wider community’s efforts, Australian Sailing CEO, Malcolm Page OAM, said:  “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.”

“This result reflects the collective effort of our Clubs, Class Associations, Discover Sailing Centres, volunteers and staff around the country,” Page said.

Noting the broader significance of the Play Well initiative in strengthening the national sports system, ASC CEO, Kieren Perkins OAM, added: “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,” Perkins said.

This roadmap is designed to increase accessibility, flexibility, and inclusivity within the sport, setting a clear trajectory for growth through to 2032 and beyond. The plan focuses on a unified approach between the national body, local clubs, Class Associations, and Discover Sailing Centres to encourage more Australians to engage with the sport in diverse ways.

The funding increase follows an rigorous assessment process in which Australian Sailing achieved a final adjusted score of 88.25 per cent in the ASC’s Play Well Investment Assessment.

The evaluation reviewed the organisation across six key metrics, including participant diversity, system contribution, and stakeholder engagement.

Notably, Australian Sailing performed exceptionally well in the ‘Quality of Experience’ category, ranking eighth among all eligible sports based on direct participant feedback.

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