The differences between the types of oceanic and offshore racing, ranging from trans-oceanic racing to short-course day races sailed in protected waters, are reflected in the six categories of the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations which provide for the differences in the minimum standards of safety and accommodation.
World Sailing Offshore Team World Championship
World Sailing sanctions the World Sailing Offshore Team World Championship, a bi-annual event which since it's inception has been sailed using the following boat classes: Farr 40, Swan 45, TP52 and IMS handicap rule.
A national or regional team enters a boat in each of three fleets and their combined results are used to determine the winners. The Championship has been held in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010 hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.
World Sailing Major Oceanic Events
A group of Major Oceanic Event Organizers signed the World Sailing Oceanic Concordat in 2010. The following events have World Sailing Major Oceanic Event status:
- Barcelona World Race
- La Route de Rhum - La Banque Postale
- The Transat
- Volvo Ocean Race (also an World Sailing Special Event)
- Velux 5 Oceans
- Vendee Globe
