Six-Month Update on the Implementation of the Para Inclusive Strategy 2024-2029

Through a structured and long-term approach, the Para Inclusive Strategy 2024-2029 aims to remove barriers to participation, increase engagement, and provide a framework for sustainable development. 

Progress and Achievements 

Expanding Global Participation

One of the fundamental pillars of the strategy is increasing global participation, ensuring that Para Sailing is widely practised in more nations across the globe. One of the fundamental pillars of the strategy is increasing global participation, ensuring that Para Sailing is widely practised in more nations across the globe. Over the past five years, the number of nations competing in international Para Sailing events has grown by 30%. Para Sailing events has grown by 30%. Youth participation has risen from 16% to 19%, and women’s participation has increased from 23% to 27%.  

The Inclusive Development Program (IDP) has played a significant role in this expansion. In its first two years of implementation, the IDP has reached 164 participants from 34 countries, providing them with access to high-quality coaching, training opportunities, and development resources. By offering structured training and funding support, the IDP continues to open doors for sailors from emerging nations, bridging the gap between grassroots development and competitive sailing. 

Additionally, the IDP has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, consistently achieving Net Promoter Scores (NPS) of 70 or higher, with some events scoring as high as 92. These high satisfaction rates underscore the program’s effectiveness in providing valuable learning experiences and opportunities for growth. 

Shifting Towards Para Inclusive Events

A key strategic shift has been the movement from Para-specific events towards Para Inclusive events, integrating sailors with disabilities into mainstream competition. This transition fosters a more unified sailing community and aligns with World Sailing’s broader goal of making sailing accessible to all. 

 One notable move by World Sailing has been the inclusion of the Para classes within the combined World Sailing Championships, offering Para sailors the same opportunities as their Olympic counterparts for top level competition.  

Efforts are also underway to explore new formats and disciplines that can further enhance inclusivity. The introduction of Wing Foiling as a potential avenue for Para Sailing is currently being tested, alongside initiatives in eSailing and Radio-Controlled Sailing. These developments reflect a modern vision for the sport, ensuring that sailing remains innovative, engaging, and adaptable to different needs and abilities. 

To support this evolution, World Sailing has produced a comprehensive language guide to encourage positive and inclusive terminology. The shift from “Para” to “Para Inclusive” in event branding and communications reinforces the message that sailing is a sport for everyone, regardless of ability. 

World Sailing has also launched the World Sailing Inclusion Championships, a combined championship where the fundamental aims are legacy building and impact. The event will enable a combined championship platform with a festival-style approach to celebrate the wonderfully diverse community of Para Inclusive sailors.  

Social Impact and Collaboration

World Sailing has strengthened partnerships and its support of various organisations to drive meaningful social impact through our Inclusive Development Program. Collaborations with groups such as Autism on the Water in the UK, Barcolana and the Para Sailing Academy in Italy, and Metazone in Singapore, have enabled the delivery of tailored programs that address different accessibility and inclusion challenges. These partnerships have enriched the sailing experience for participants and expanded outreach to communities that may not have traditionally engaged with the sport. 

Moreover, regional development hubs are being developed and encouraged through the inclusive development program to ensure that resources and training opportunities are more widely available. These hubs serve as focal points for Para sailing development, particularly in regions with limited access to competitive pathways. By decentralising resources, World Sailing is ensuring that the benefits of the strategy extend beyond established sailing nations. 

Strengthening the Pathway to Paralympic Reinstatement 

A major objective of the Para Inclusive Strategy is to position sailing for reinstatement in the Paralympic Games. In the feedback from the IPC regarding the LA2028 bid, four key areas for improvement were identified: 

1. Global Participation: The requirement for 32 nations practising Para Sailing widely and regularly throughout the quadrennium has been a critical focus. Current participation data shows that 33 nations are now actively involved in international Para Sailing, with numbers continuing to grow. Sustaining this momentum will be vital for meeting future Paralympic qualification criteria. 
2. Competition Structures: While there has always been a high level of competition and activity, the IPC highlighted the need for more centralised governance by World Sailing. In response, World Sailing has updated its calendar system to feature a dedicated Para Inclusive event schedule. Additionally, enhanced collaboration with Para and Para-preferred classes is ongoing to streamline competition structures and ensure alignment with broader international frameworks. 
3. Sports Administration – Classification: Compliance with the new IPC Classification Code, which took effect in January 2025, is a priority. World Sailing is currently revising its Para Classification Rules to align with these updated standards. Efforts are also being made to introduce a more robust classification process, including remote classification for preliminary assessments. This innovation aims to create a smoother and more accessible pathway for athletes undergoing classification. 
4. Sports Administration – Anti-Doping: Sailing’s removal from the Paralympics in 2016 meant there was a significant reduction in anti-doping testing and education programs. Recognising the importance of addressing this gap, World Sailing has reinstated testing at Para World Championships and included Para sailors in the regular testing pool based on ranking performance. Additionally, new education initiatives have been introduced at major events and through the IDP to ensure that all athletes understand their responsibilities regarding clean sport. 

 

Challenges and Next Steps

While significant progress has been made, there is still work to be done to fully implement the strategy and achieve its long-term goals. Key priorities for the next phase include: 

• Expanding Regional Development Hubs: Ensuring that all continents have access to resources and training opportunities. 
• Enhancing Para Inclusive Competition Pathways: Strengthening the structure of Para Inclusive events to provide clear progression routes for athletes at all levels. 
• Driving Greater Member National Authority Engagement: Encouraging more national federations to adopt inclusive sailing programs and provide sustained support for Para Sailors. 
• Further Integrating Technology and Innovation: Continuing the development of eSailing, radio-controlled sailing, and new adaptive equipment to broaden accessibility. 

Conclusion: A New Beginning for Para Inclusive Sailing

The past six months have demonstrated the strength of the sailing community in embracing the Para Inclusive Strategy. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to inclusivity, we have taken significant steps toward transforming sailing into a sport that is truly open to all. 

However, achieving the long-term vision of the strategy requires a sustained and united effort. We urge all stakeholders—MNAs, sailors, coaches, event organisers, and sailing enthusiasts—to contribute to this mission. By working together, we can ensure that sailing remains a beacon of inclusivity, providing life-changing opportunities for sailors of all abilities worldwide. 

World Sailing is proud of the progress made so far, but this is just the beginning. The next phase of implementation will be crucial in building upon the foundations laid and driving the strategy forward. 

Together, we can prove that sailing is a sport for all—and that we are all in the same boat.