Apply to World Sailing’s WISH Pathway for Elite Female Coaches

Applications for the 21-month Women in Sport High Performance Pathway (WISH) Program close on March 12; submissions must be sent to [email protected] and include a coaching and sailing CV plus a one-page cover letter outlining motivations and objectives.

Program overview and operational partners

The WISH Program is a collaborative initiative developed by World Sailing in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and supported by Olympic Solidarity. Operated as a structured leadership and technical pathway, it targets the logistical and competency gaps that prevent female coaches from reaching Olympic, World Championship and other major event roles.

Who the program targets

Eligibility focuses on female coaches who are already part of, or have the potential to be part of, a national delegation to regional or continental games, the Youth Olympic Games, World Championships, or the Olympic Games (Summer or Winter sport programs). Selection prioritizes candidates with demonstrable coaching experience and clear potential for high-performance environments.

Impact and scale

Since its pilot launch in 2019, WISH has enrolled more than 125 women across 22 sports from 60 countries. Despite athlete gender parity at recent Olympic Games, female coaching representation remains low—approximately 13% across most sports—making initiatives like WISH crucial for systemic change.

What participants gain — skills and network

WISH is structured to accelerate professional growth through a mix of leadership modules, sport-specific mentoring and international networking. Key outcomes include:

• Leadership competencies for managing high-performance teams
• Technical refinement via sport-specific mentoring
• International exposure to multi-nation competition environments
• Access to networks that facilitate future appointments at major events

Typical program components

Participants can expect blended learning formats: online workshops, in-person modules synchronized with championships, and ongoing mentoring for the duration of the 21-month pathway.

Application checklist and timeline

How to structure your cover letter

A concise one-page cover letter should address:

1. Why you want to apply for the WISH Program
2. What the WISH Program can do for your coaching pathway
3. What specific outcomes you want to achieve through the program

Program significance for sport and tourism logistics

Beyond coaching credentials, the WISH pathway influences event logistics and travel planning. Coaches who progress to international roles regularly coordinate travel and accommodation for athletes and support staff, negotiate accreditation processes, and align training schedules with event infrastructure. For event hosts and destination managers, higher numbers of qualified female coaches contribute to more balanced delegation planning and diversified cultural programming at regattas and championships.

Practical implications for travel and event planners

Organizers should anticipate: equal-opportunity accreditation requests, tailored athlete support needs, and increased demand for professional development workshops hosted alongside competitions. These shifts feed into tourism flows—delegations attending championships often combine competition with cultural exchange and local tourism activities.

Selection considerations and recommended approach

National Member Authorities (MNAs) and aspirant coaches are encouraged to review nominations carefully and prepare applications that highlight tactical coaching experience, leadership potential and a track record of athlete development. Shortlisted candidates typically demonstrate both technical depth and a capacity to navigate the administrative demands of international events.

Highlights: the WISH Program builds a pipeline of female leaders ready to coach at the global level, offers a mix of mentoring and leadership training, and addresses the persistent 13% representation gap among female coaches. Personal attendance and direct involvement at events remain the ultimate test of any development program—no report or testimonial can replace first-hand experience.

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In summary, the WISH Program represents a practical route for female coaches aiming for elite-level appointments: submit your CV and one-page cover letter by March 12 to [email protected]. The pathway blends leadership development, sport-specific mentoring and international networking—elements that matter for professional growth and also shape travel arrangements for teams and events. Travel experiences, adventure activities, online virtual tours, esports lessons, yacht parties, cruise packages, safari tours, museum tours with live guides, beginner esports coaching sessions, adventure rafting trips for beginners, luxury adventure travel experiences, eco-friendly wildlife safaris, exclusive yacht charters for events, interactive online cultural workshops and professional esports training programs all illustrate the breadth of post-event or parallel offerings that can complement high-performance sport travel and cultural exchange.