Early responses to The Magenta Project’s 2×25 survey reveal encouraging signs of progress on representation, while also laying bare systemic barriers that continue to hold sailing and the wider marine industry back.
With two weeks remaining until the survey closes on 15 October, the organisation is encouraging sailors, industry professionals and others in the community to contribute their perspectives.
The 2×25 survey follows the 2019 Women in Sailing Strategic Review, which highlighted gender imbalance in the sport. Six years later, the new study extends its scope to include age, race, disability and access to opportunities throughout sailing and marine-related sectors.
More than 1,200 people have responded so far. Preliminary findings show that 84 per cent believe representation has improved in the past five years. Support for mixed-gender participation is also significant, with 77 per cent agreeing that a major competition such as the America’s Cup should require mixed crews.
Other responses highlight barriers that remain. The survey results so far reveal 62 per cent of respondents have experienced sexism, 23 per cent report ageism and 46 per cent have felt unwelcome at a sailing club or event. Six in ten do not consider clubs to be inclusive for people of all backgrounds. At an organisational level, fewer than a third of respondents report the presence of an equality policy (29 per cent) or a designated person responsible for diversity and inclusion (30 per cent).
One, unrelated, study carried out recently by the ICOMIA Diversity Committee reveals a stark reality: only 1 in 50 CEOs in the industry are female.
Victoria Low, CEO of The Magenta Project, says: “This snapshot is both inspiring and concerning. Representation is improving and appetite for change is strong, yet inequity remains deeply embedded, whether in clubs, in leadership or in access to opportunities. With just over two weeks left until the survey closes on 15 October, now is the critical moment to make your voice heard. The findings will shape industry decisions for years to come.”
Bruno Dubois, team manager of the France SailGP Team and board director of The Magenta Project, adds: “As an industry we’re obsessive about performance data, yet when it comes to equity we too often work from assumptions rather than facts. This survey gives us the evidence we need. If we want stronger teams and a healthier industry, we need to understand the barriers people face and take responsibility for removing them.”
The 2×25 survey will close at midnight on 15 October 2025. Results are scheduled to be presented at the World Sailing AGM in November and subsequently at Metstrade and the Yacht Racing Forum later in the month.
The post Magenta Project survey reveals progress and ‘concerning’ inequities in marine industry appeared first on Marine Industry News.
Leave a Reply