ISAF promotes Oceanic and Offshore racing and cruising throughout the world. Oceanic racing is defined as any offshore race over 800 miles.

There are many types of Oceanic and Offshore racing events which are organized for one design classes as well as handicap or rating systems. In order to achieve an orderly schedule, ISAF works with event organizers to monitor the calendar of events.

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 ISAF Offshore Special Regulations which provide for the differences in the minimum standards of safety and accommodation.

ISAF Offshore Team World Championship

ISAF sanctions the ISAF 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.

ISAF Major Oceanic Events

A group of Major Oceanic Event Organizers signed the ISAF Oceanic Concordat in 2010. The following events have ISAF Major Oceanic Event status:

• Barcelona World Race
• La Route de Rhum - La Banque Postale
• The Transat
• Volvo Ocean Race (also an ISAF Special Event)
• Velux 5 Oceans
• Vendee Globe