The 70-year-old was elected as the President of the then-called International Sailing Federation in 2012 and is currently the sole candidate in the race.

Croce has stated that three of his key aims, should be granted a second and final four-year term, would be to ensure World Sailing is a global leader in sporting governance, becomes a world leader in ocean sustainability and embraces innovation to drive the global growth of the sport.

He has also vowed to establish "one-design standards" to ensure athletes are competing fairly and to consolidate sailing’s position on the Olympic Games sport programme.

After the sport was removed from the Paralympic Games for Tokyo 2020, Croce has expressed his determination to ensure the return of Para-sailing in time for the 2024 Games.

“I now want to see through a period of real reform in World Sailing’s governance in order to modernise and become much more efficient and effective as a Federation,” Croce wrote in his manifesto.

“Change is underway and I would be honoured to help continue that change over the next four years.

“Part of my job as World Sailing President going forward would be to ensure that we not just meet new governance standards, but exceed them, and become a benchmark amongst International Federations.

“We are in a changing Olympic world and working together, and in full consultation with the sailing family, we must be creative, look at our events on the programme and embrace innovation.

“And on Para-sailing, for me returning the sport to the 2024 Paralympic Games is a key priority.”

The election is due to take place at the World Sailing General Assembly at the Hotel Renaissance in Barcelona on November 13, when seven vice-presidents will also be elected.

Two of these must be from each gender with candidates for both roles needing to be endorsed by at least five World Sailing national authorities.

Nominations must be made by September 17.

World Sailing opened its nominations process earlier this week, with the successful candidate due to be in office through to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Croce, who defeated Eric Tulla of Puerto Rico in the 2012 race to replace Sweden's Göran Petersson, is only the seventh President of the organisation since 1946.

“My manifesto is rooted in the opportunities of tomorrow and our unique heritage, it is this approach that would underpin my second and final term as World Sailing President if I have the honour of being re-elected,” said Croce, who competed for Italy at the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games.

“Since being elected President of the International Sailing Federation in 2012, I am proud of what we have achieved together, particularly a significantly enhanced Emerging Nations Programme, steps to improve governance, the appointment of a top class chief executive in Andy Hunt, the development of a new Sailing World Cup strategy and securing a five year deal with GAZPROM International as a top level sponsor.

“I believe that given my track record as President of World Sailing and the measures I have outlined in this manifesto, that I am the right person to help lead our sport into a new era of opportunity, innovation and modern governance.

“I very much look forward to speaking to the global sailing family over the coming months to listen and exchange views on ensuring our great sport continues to prosper and flourish in the years ahead.”

Croce is working with Vero Communications to orchestrate his campaign to be re-elected, which suggests he expects to be challenged.

The London-based firm was founded by Mike Lee, the former communications director of London 2012.

They supported Brian Cookson when he beat Pat McQuaid to become International Cycling Union President in 2013 and then Sebastian Coe's triumph over Sergey Bubka in last year's campaign to lead the International Association of Athletics Federations.

Vero also aided Gianni Infantino’s successful campaign to be elected as FIFA President earlier this year, but their support failed to help France's Didier Gailhaguet become International Skating Union (ISU) President last month.

Gailhaguet withdrew after the first round of voting, with The Netherlands' Jan Dijkema ultimately overcoming Hungary György Sallak.

They were also unsuccessful in getting Britain's John McEwen elected as the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) President in 2014, with Belgium's Ingmar De Vos triumphing.

Croce's full manifesto can be found here.