With Christmas just around the corner, the administrative framework for French sport has been clarified for the next four years. On December 22, 2025, the French Minister for Sport, Youth and the Voluntary Sector signed the decree allocating sports delegations for the period from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2029. This text has been eagerly awaited by the federations, including the French Sailing Federation.
A procedure governed by the French Sports Code
Sports delegations are awarded in accordance with the procedure laid down in article L. 131 14 of the French Sports Code. It is based on an examination of federal dossiers and the opinions of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee and the French Paralympic and Sports Committee.
For the FFVoile, the decree validates the continuity of its role in all the disciplines for which it was already responsible during the previous Olympiad.
Historic disciplines to be continued
The French Sailing Federation retains all its traditional disciplines. Offshore racing remains included within the federal perimeter, as do all board sports.
Kiteboarding and winging will be continued, as will paravoiling for people with physical or sensory disabilities, and adapted paravoiling for people with mental or psychological disabilities.
Pocket wing officially recognized
Among the new features is pocket wing. This recent practice is at the crossroads of kiteboarding and wing sailing. It's particularly popular with downwind sailors, who use lightweight supports and are looking for a longer glide.
Its inclusion in the field of federal delegations represents institutional recognition of a practice that is still emerging on the water.
ESailing becomes part of the ministerial framework
ESailing is also officially included in the delegations granted to the FFVoile. This discipline was already structured within the federation, with the organization of a French championship and the management of delegations for certain international competitions.
However, the ministerial decree marks the first formal recognition by the public authorities.
With this decision, the French Sailing Federation joins a select group of federations with an e-sport delegation. There are seven in all, including cycling, table tennis, gliding, basketball, chess and soccer. Four of these e-sport delegations have been granted for the first time for the period 2026 to 2029, including sailing. This decree sets out the federal framework for sailing for the next four years, confirming the existing bases while integrating new forms of sailing and competition.

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