Guest editorial: Working towards a more inclusive sport by David Staley

Sailing is one of very few sports in which people with and without a disability can participate on equal terms. It has a unique capacity to include people of all ages and abilities and enable a diverse group of participants to enjoy participating and competing in a variety of equipment as individuals and teams.

Mainstream sailing, inclusive sailing, para sailing, and high-performance sailing are all interconnected segments within the broader world of sailing.

Mainstream sailing is the foundation of the sailing world, is based around sailing clubs large and small, and has evolved over centuries.

Inclusion, or Inclusive Sailing, broadens access to a wider group of participants and makes it more appealing to those who have not traditionally been attracted to the sport. Para Sailing caters to athletes with a range of disabilities and High-Performance Sailing represents the pinnacle of sailing excellence.

These segments are all aligned and interconnected, with pathways for individuals to move through and between them based on their interests, abilities and commitment.

Ever since the last Paralympic Sailing Competition at Rio 2016, the Para World Sailing Committee has supported Para Sailing World Championships held in conjunction with Open Class World Championships and encouraged the development of future Inclusive Championships.

The Committee also established an Inclusion Working Party to develop some sailing specific definitions for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility. The Working Party discussions have influenced a new approach to the World Sailing Para Inclusive Strategy for 2024-2027 and the Committee hopes to contribute to the development of a more inclusive sport in line with World Sailing’s Sustainability Strategy.