Workshop 10 "Sailing for Science and Climate Action"

This panel explores the importance of ocean observation, the need for innovative solutions, and the role of inspirational ocean activities in shaping a sustainable maritime future and a European Blue Economy.

A key focus is "Sailing for Science", showcasing how offshore sailing—through events like The Ocean Race and teams such as Team Malizia—supports ocean research, data collection, and public engagement. Sailing vessels serve as platforms for scientific discovery, deploying easy-to-use sensors, collecting climate and marine data, and raising awareness of Ocean health across our society and generations. Collaboration between science and industry will be key for this development, one example is the innovation platform “Shaping an Ocean Of Possibilities (SOOP)”.

The workshop also highlights how inspirational ocean activities foster a deeper connection to the Ocean, supporting the goals of the UN Ocean Decade and the European Ocean Pact. The discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities for the next 5 years of the Ecosystem across science, industry, policy, the role of how sailing sports and civil society can contribute to a sustainable Blue Economy while protecting our Blue Planet.