World Sailing and para sailing starts 2025 with a bang, reaffirming its commitment to inclusion and developing opportunities for sailors with disabilities. This year promises to be an exciting one, with the first Para Sailing World Championships to be held in Sydney, hosted by the Hansa class.
Nearly 200 boats will compete in this event, demonstrating the growth and strength of Para sailing on the international stage. This championship is not only a celebration of our achievements as a community, but also a reminder of why we continue to move forward with determination and passion.
A GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR INCLUSION
In the coming weeks, World Sailing will publish a report on the impact of its Inclusion Strategy For (2024-2029) and how it is being implemented globally. While progress is not always visible, daily efforts are being made to drive inclusion in Para sailing and strengthen its presence around the world.
One of the main objectives of this strategy is the reinstatement of Para sailing in the Paralympic Games. World Sailing is working tirelessly to achieve this goal, while building a solid foundation of inclusion, as detailed in the first pillar of its strategy.
SUCCESSES OF THE INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT
The Inclusive Development Program (IDP) has been one of the major achievements of this strategy. In the past year and a half, 34 countries have participated in six editions of the IDP, surpassing the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) requirement of regular participation in at least 32 countries. This progress reflects the positive impact of World Sailing’s global efforts.
In addition, Para sailing participation numbers continue to grow, as reflected in the World Sailing rankings. This progress is a testament to the community’s commitment to making Para sailing a truly inclusive sport.
A LANDMARK EVENT FOR INCLUSION
Another key moment for Para sailing has been the recent announcement of the bidding process for the World Sailing Inclusion Championships. This event will be a milestone in the history of the sport, showcasing the true inclusivity of sailing and highlighting the power of the community to come together and demonstrate that, at the end of the day, we are all in the same boat.
