Set to debut in 2025, the Championships are a flagship initiative of World Sailing’s Para Inclusive Strategy 2024-2029, a comprehensive framework designed to ensure everyone, regardless of physical ability, background, or experience, has the opportunity to participate and excel in sailing.
Fiona Kidd, World Sailing’s Head of International Development, captured the spirit of the event: “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.”
The Championships will not only be a competition but also a festival, blending high-performance sailing with grassroots participation and onshore celebrations. Para-classified athletes will race alongside those with disabilities outside the IPC Classification Code, showcasing that sailing is truly a sport for all.
The event will also provide a platform for Para and Para-preferred classes to host their World Championships, offering hosts the chance to run developmental and demonstration events.
As a maritime nation with a rich history of hosting world-class sailing events, New Zealand is uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in this global celebration. World Sailing is inviting bids from Member National Authorities and organisations worldwide to host the event. Bids for the 2025 edition close on 31 January 2025—a rare chance for New Zealand to showcase its leadership in promoting inclusivity.
The Inclusion Championships are just one part of a larger movement. Over the next five years, World Sailing’s Para Inclusive Strategy aims to grow participation in Para sailing across more than 32 countries, establish a robust competition calendar, and deliver high standards of governance, including anti-doping measures and athlete classification.
By creating opportunities for sailors of all abilities, the Para Inclusive Strategy underscores a fundamental truth: sailing is for everyone.
The World Sailing Inclusion Championships mark a turning point for the sport, setting a new standard for accessibility and equality. For New Zealand’s boating community, this is a moment to rally behind an inclusive vision that reflects the nation’s maritime spirit.
As the world looks to 2025, the question is clear: will New Zealand seize the opportunity to lead the way in promoting a more inclusive future for sailing?
