As a result, an International Conference of Yacht Measurement was held in London in January and June 1906, at which the Metre Rule was developed.

[3][4] Competitive sailing regatta contain events which are defined by a combination of discipline, equipment, gender and sometimes categories.

[citation needed] In addition the following categories are sometimes applied to events: World Sailing is now most familiar to sailors for defining the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), the international standard used to define competition rules and the framework within which racing is conducted.

Strict classification requirements are enforced in the Paralympic Games for fair competition in Paralympic-class keelboats.

[19][20] To help encourage high level international competition in the Classes used for the Olympic Games, World Sailing arrange the following events: Sailing as an equipment based sports allows one of the largest ranges of paralympians to compete under equal terms.

The rational was given as follows: "The creation of a single governing body for Member National Authorities (MNAs) and sailors will better serve the needs and interests of sailors with disabilities, and provide consistency within the sport, from relationships with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to technical support and operational efficiencies.

[27] The Beppe Croce Trophy is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to the sport of sailing.

The roll of honour is an impressive one, including multiple Olympic medallists, rules gurus and designers, and all have dedicated an outstanding amount of time to the sport of sailing.