Sailing and windsurfing, often known as the “blue sports,” are ocean disciplines that combine skill, adventure, and the power of nature. At the Sanya 2026 Asian Beach Games, the sailing program will include eight sub-events, including foil windsurfing, kite foilboarding, and youth sailing classes.

Windsurfing boards are composed of a hull with a center fin, a mast joint, a sail, and a boom. For this edition, the event will feature the foil windsurfing class, in which athletes harness the wind to generate lift from an underwater hydrofoil, allowing the board to glide above the surface at higher speeds.

Sailing races include the Optimist (OP) and ILCA 4 classes, which are open to both men (boys) and women (girls), with age requirements set according to class regulations: the OP is for athletes born in or after 2011, and the ILCA 4 is for those born in or after 2009.

The formula kite, known as the “Formula 1 of the sea,” is the fastest discipline in sailing. Athletes use large kites to propel themselves across the water, reaching speeds of 60–70 km/h under favorable wind conditions.

With its mix of competition, recreation, and visual spectacle, sailing has captivated audiences worldwide. Since debuting at the 1900 Paris Olympic Games, it has become one of the most beloved and widely practiced sports among coastal nations, symbolizing both freedom and harmony with nature.