Racing right: the principles behind clean sport
When we think about what makes a great sailor, it’s not just technical skill or time on the water — it’s also the choices made off the water.
As UK Anti-Doping’s Clean Sport Week (19-23 May) reminds us, playing fair and staying healthy are just as vital as understanding those wind shifts or any piece of technical kit.
We caught up with Ian White, Physiologist for the British Sailing Team, to explore what clean sport really means in sailing, and why it’s something every racer – from grassroots to elite – needs to understand.
Clean sport is for everyone
Whether you’re gunning for Olympic selection or competing in your local club series, the RYA Anti-Doping rules apply to anyone in the UK who is bound by the Racing Rules of Sailing.
‘Athlete Support Personnel’, for example coaches, parents/guardians and physiotherapists, also have a number of responsibilities under the anti-doping rules.
“No matter the level, it’s important to be aware of the rules and what the potential dangers are from consuming supplements or medications,” Ian explained.
“It's important for everyone in sailing to be conscious of what they’re consuming, whether it's food, supplements, or medications. Understanding what you’re taking and how it can affect you is key.”
Fairness, awareness and looking after yourself
As one of the most famous Olympic sailors, Paul Elvstrøm, once said: "You haven't won the race, if in winning the race you have lost the respect of your competitors."
At its core, Clean Sport Week is about levelling the playing field and protecting athlete welfare.
“It's about playing or competing within the rules, and more widely about the morals of sport and sailing.” Ian said.
“For athletes and all us sailors, it’s about how we can follow the principles of clean sport ensuring that we are all on a fair playing field. For example, not taking substances that would give an unfair advantage.”
“I think of it as winning through the skills, and hard work you've put in rather than something else,” Ian added.
Supplements: not always what they seem
One of the biggest challenges in achieving clean sport today is misinformation, especially around supplements. Young athletes are often targeted with marketing that promises quick gains or faster recovery. But as Ian warns, the reality can be far murkier.
“Supplements are quite poorly regulated, particularly when it comes to how they’re made,” he said. “That means people can end up wasting their money on something that doesn’t do what they expected — or worse, contains substances they weren’t aware of.”
Even products that look legitimate can be risky. Some carry fake batch testing logos or claim to be endorsed when they’re not.
Ian always recommends using the Informed Sport website to verify supplements and buying directly from trusted sources — not through third-party online sellers.
Fuelling the right way
Rather than turning to supplements, Ian advocates a much simpler and safer approach.
“We really push a ‘Food First’ approach — focusing on getting your nutrition from a balanced diet before turning to supplements.”
The basics still matter most. Good food, enough rest, and well-structured training will do more for long-term performance than any quick fix.
Medications and the hidden risks
Even common medications can present anti-doping risks — and it’s not always obvious. That’s why sailors need to be cautious, especially when travelling.
“Some over-the-counter or prescription medications contain substances that are on the banned list under anti-doping rules,” Ian explains.
“A product you buy over the counter in the UK might contain different ingredients than a product with the same brand name in another country.”
Ian advises sailors to travel with any medication they might need, so they know exactly what they’re taking, and to always double-check ingredients through the GlobalDRO website, just to be safe.
Creating a culture of clean sailing
While the responsibility lies with the athlete, support from coaches, parents and peers is essential.
“Coaches, parents, and teammates play a really important role in supporting clean sailing habits,” Ian said.
“It starts with promoting the basics — encouraging good quality food, solid training routines, and understanding that improvement comes from consistently doing the right things."
It’s also about creating an environment where it’s OK to ask questions. If a sailor is considering taking a supplement, those around them can help guide the conversation: Do you know what’s in it? Is it necessary? Could food do the same job?"
Ian’s three top tips:
- Take a food first approach – in most cases, you should be able to get everything you need from a healthy diet in order to fuel your training and progress.
- Be aware of false claims in supplements – in reality there is no such thing as a quick win.
- Focus on training – Putting the time and effort both on and off the water is the best way for you to improve.