Measuring progress and barriers

The Magenta Project, a global initiative committed to equity and inclusion in sailing, has launched the 2×25 global survey, marking the start of the most ambitious review ever undertaken in sailing and the wider marine industry.

Building on the landmark 2019 Women in Sailing Strategic Review, where 59% of women reported personal discrimination and 80% said gender imbalance was a problem, 2×25 expands the lens to include more research into race, ableism, and age. Six years on, it aims to shine a light on progress made and barriers that still persist across the sport.

The research runs from July to September 2025, with final findings to be presented at the World Sailing AGM in November 2025, and publicly launched at METSTRADE and the Yacht Racing Forum.

“Our sport and the wider marine industry are built on data,” said Magenta Project CEO Victoria Low. “Whether you’re racing a boat, designing the next foiling board, or managing a fleet, performance depends on information.

“But when it comes to the human side – who is included, how we grow, and where we go next – we’ve been working from a single dataset gathered in 2019. 2×25 is about changing that and creating a clearer picture to steer the future of our sector.”

The study will be globally distributed, and The Magenta Project is aiming to surpass the 4,529 responses gathered in 2019. The survey is available in multiple languages and will be supported by regional focus groups and one-on-one interviews to capture lived experiences in greater depth.

Participation is open to all: athletes, coaches, officials, marine professionals, and industry workers of all genders.

“We can’t fix what we don’t measure,” adds Low. “If we want sailing and the marine industry to stay relevant and reflect the society it hopes to serve, we need everyone’s voice. Whether you’re on the water or behind the scenes, this is your chance to shape the future of our sport.”

By building on the data, methodology, and best practices from 2019, 2×25 aims to provide a refreshed baseline and actionable roadmap for long-term equity and inclusion across sailing and the marine industry.

To learn more and complete the survey, click here.