The World Sailing Inclusion Championships celebrates its Opening Ceremony today at Barceló Mussanah Resort, hosted by Oman Sail.
The championship is the first of its kind, bringing together both para-classified athletes and those who do not fall under the IPC classification code. Part of World Sailing’s Para Inclusive Strategy 2024-2029, it’s setting a new standard for inclusive sailing.
Its popularity is evident with 154 athletes registered and 37 nations competing. David Graham, World Sailing CEO, commented: “Exceeding 150 registered participants for our very first World Sailing Inclusion Championships is a momentous achievement.”
The World Sailing Inclusion Championships is also a first for several nations competing in inclusive sailing. Sailors from Trinidad and Tobago, India, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Iraq, Indonesia and Uruguay will compete for the first time. As Hannah Stodel, World Sailing’s Para World Sailing Manager, puts it: “This is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of our diverse and capable athletes and a huge step forward in our mission to grow Para Inclusive sailing globally.”
The championship features four sailing events and the RS Venture Connect SCS is the boat of choice for the Two-Person Keelboat category.
RS Sailing’s Manging Director, Jon Partridge, is at the event, “It’s great to meet so many sailors, from lots of different backgrounds, who just love to get out on the water and race – regardless of ability.”
Pre-events at the World Sailing Inclusion Championships began on the 30th November, with 3 days of Inclusive Development Program (IDP) clinics before the racing starts. Training, strategy and tactics were among the hot topics, giving coaches, sailors and race officials a chance to practice ahead of the championships.
November has been a big month for the RS Venture Connect Class – as it was also formally awarded World Sailing Class status at the 2025 World Sailing Conference in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland.
Good luck to everyone competing at the World Sailing Inclusion Championships. As the RS Venture Connect Class Association puts it: “To us, everyone is a winner as we celebrate Para Inclusive Sailing in all its glory!”
