World Sailing invites bids to host inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships

World Sailing invites bids to host inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships © World Sailing

World Sailing is thrilled to announce the launch of the first World Sailing Inclusion Championships, a groundbreaking event set to celebrate and showcase inclusivity in the sport of sailing with a focus on disability.

The event celebrates the diverse community of sailors with disabilities, removing barriers to participation, all whilst enabling Para classified athletes to compete alongside other athletes with disabilities that do not classify under the IPC Classification code.

World Sailing is now inviting bids for both the 2025 and 2026 editions of the event from Member National Authorities (MNAs) and other organisations around the world to host the very first edition of this one-of-a-kind event.

The World Sailing Inclusion Championships will embody the spirit of diversity, equality, and accessibility, aligning with World Sailing's recently unveiled Para Inclusive Strategy for 2024-2029. It also marks an exciting opportunity for the Para and Para-preferred classes to host their class World Championships within the World Sailing Inclusion Championships, as well as offering the hosts an opportunity for development and demonstration events.

The new Para Inclusive Strategy marks a significant shift in World Sailing's approach, focusing on ensuring that everyone, regardless of physical ability, background, or experience, has equal opportunities to participate and excel in sailing.

The World Sailing Inclusion Championships will serve as a cornerstone of this strategy, setting a new standard for inclusivity in sport. This festival-style Championship will become a highlight in the Para Inclusive Sailing calendar, offering a unique platform to demonstrate that sailing is truly a sport for all.

The World Sailing Inclusion Championships will be much more than just a competition — it is a celebration of what makes sailing a truly universal sport. The festival will bring together not only sailors, but also a wider community built on a foundation of inclusivity, with demonstration events, and onshore celebrations. The event is for sailors of all abilities, from grassroots participants to elite competitors, in a dynamic environment that highlights the values of inclusivity and equal opportunity.

World Sailing Head of International Development, Fiona Kidd emphasised the importance of this initiative: "The World Sailing Inclusion Championships represent a bold and exciting step forward for our sport. By inviting our global community to host this event, we are not only fostering greater inclusion but also showcasing the incredible diversity and spirit of sailing. We are excited to introduce the event to our growing schedule of Para Inclusive Sailing events and encourage Members to join us in making history and be part of the first World Sailing Inclusion Championships—a global celebration of inclusivity in sailing."

Bids are now open, and World Sailing encourages MNAs and organisations with a passion for promoting inclusivity to apply. The successful host will have the opportunity to lead the way in promoting a more inclusive future for sailing, as well as to gain international recognition for their commitment to equality and diversity.

Bidders will have until 31 January 2025 to submit their bids to World Sailing. A copy of the bid document can be obtained by emailing Hannah Stodel, hannah.stodel@sailing.org.