Sail Clean: why anti-doping matters for every sailor

When many sailors hear the word doping, they often think of elite sport and Olympic scandals. It can feel a long way from a weekend club race or youth regatta. 

But anti-doping rules apply across the sport and everyone involved in racing, clubs, class associations and individuals should understand the basics. 

The RYA works with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and World Sailing to promote clean sport and protect fair competition. The aim is simple, to ensure sailing remains a sport built on integrity, fairness and respect between competitors. 

Anti-doping rules apply more widely than many sailors realise. Anyone who competes under the Racing Rules of Sailing may be bound by anti-doping regulations. These rules can also apply to people supporting sailors, including coaches, parents and medical professionals. 

One of the most important principles in anti-doping is strict liability. This means sailors are responsible for any prohibited substance found in their system, even if it was taken unintentionally. Because of this, everyday medications and supplements can sometimes lead to problems if they contain banned ingredients. 

Many common medicines can be checked online using GlobalDRO, which allows all sailors to confirm whether a medication is permitted in sport. In some cases, sailors who require a prohibited medication for a genuine medical condition may need a Therapeutic Use Exemption.  

Supplements are another area where caution is important. Even products marketed as safe can sometimes be contaminated with banned substances, meaning there is never a guarantee that a supplement is risk free. 

As RYA Head of Safe Sport, Katie Loucaides explains: “Clean sport isn’t just about elite athletes, it’s about protecting fairness and integrity at every level of sailing. Clubs and class associations play a vital role in helping sailors understand their responsibilities and make informed choices.” 

What can your club or class association do?  

If your club or class association runs racing, you must be aware of the RYA Sail Clean strategy and take reasonable steps to make sailors aware that anti-doping rules apply. In practice, this simply means helping signpost sailors to reliable information.  

You should take reasonable, proportionate steps to make all participants aware of their responsibilities for example by including Sail Clean information in race documents, displaying posters, or linking to guidance online. The focus is on promoting a clean sport culture, reinforcing principles like strict liability, and signposting sailors, parents, and coaches to appropriate resources. 

Importantly, clubs and class associations are not responsible for policing anti-doping. They are not expected to conduct testing, monitor compliance, check medications, deliver formal education, or handle investigations. Those responsibilities sit with the RYA, UKAD, and World Sailing. Instead, clubs should simply support fair play, avoid enabling violations, and direct any concerns to the appropriate authorities.  

Ultimately, clean sport protects the spirit of sailing. From local club racing to the British Saling Team, the sport is built on honesty, sportsmanship and mutual respect. By understanding the basics and making informed choices, sailors help keep racing fair for everyone on the water. 

To find out more about RYA’s Anti-Doping policy please visit www.rya.org.uk/racing/rules/anti-doping/  

To contact the RYA anti-doping officer please contact cleansport@rya.org.uk