The British Sailing Team has welcomed the announcement from UK Sport outlining a £352 million investment in Olympic and Paralympic sport.
Sailing will receive £21.3 million between 2021 and 2025 and remains the fourth highest-funded Olympic sport behind cycling, athletics and rowing. As well as providing financial security in the run-up to Tokyo 2020, the funding will ensure the British Sailing Team can support athletes targeting success at Paris 2024 and beyond.
UK Sport has increased the number of sports receiving funding to 43, with a record 36 now part of the World Class Programme. The government agency has also announced investment in seven ‘progression’ sports – basketball, climbing, fencing, skateboarding, surfing, table tennis and weightlifting – on top of a £3m pot to support national squads.
Ian Walker, director of racing at the RYA, said: “This announcement is extremely positive for sailing. We are incredibly grateful to UK Sport for continuing to support sailing and all the other Olympic and Paralympic sports, especially given these uncertain times.
“While it is a small reduction on our funding for the Tokyo 2020 cycle, we are confident we can continue to deliver world-class support for our athletes.
This funding will give us the financial certainty to head full steam towards Tokyo 2020 and then Paris 2024 where we will aim to continue our strong tradition of Olympic success.”
