The move was announced in January after an extensive evaluation process was undertaken to select a location that "enabled members and stakeholders ease of access to the new facility".

According to World Sailing, London was chosen after an "extensive" review of possible locations.

This took place after Denmark's Kim Andersen unseated Italian Carlo Croce as President of World Sailing in November.

Swiss cities Geneva and Lausanne - the Olympic capital - were also considered along with Spanish contenders Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.

Winchester, another English city which is in Southampton's county of Hampshire, was also in the frame.

Only London, Southampton, Barcelona and Valencia were shortlisted by the World Sailing Board of Directors in December.

World Sailing's new headquarters, at 20 Eastbourne Terrace, is situated opposite London's Paddington railway station, with Heathrow Airport just 15 minutes by train.

The ability to retain existing staff was another key factor for the move as well as the possibility for international diversity and a "high quality, multilingual employment base".

Heading to London sees the governing body return to its roots as in its previous guises it was based in the capital since formation in 1907.

Twenty years in Southampton have been ended by the move.

"World Sailing's new executive office headquarters provides a modern workplace for all of World Sailing's employees to excel," said World Sailing's chief executive Andy Hunt.

"Our open plan working space and meeting facilities enables ease of interaction across all our teams as we continue to grow the sport.

"Excellent facilities, coupled with ease of access from London Heathrow Airport also allows us to open up World Sailing's space to all of sailing's and sports' stakeholders and we look forward to regularly welcoming international guests."