Inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships achieves major entries milestone

Inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships achieves major entries milestone © World Sailing

World Sailing, the sport's global governing body, is celebrating a major milestone as over 150 participants representing 37 nations have registered for the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships.

A total of 154 athletes, alongside coaches and support staff, have entered the landmark event to be held in Mussanah, Oman, from 30 November to 8 December 2025.

Hosted by Oman Sail at the Mussanah Sailing School at Barceló Mussanah Resort, the championship is the first event of its kind and a cornerstone of World Sailing's Para Inclusive Strategy 2024-2029, setting a new standard of inclusivity for people with disabilities in sport. The strong registration numbers highlight the global enthusiasm for inclusive sailing and the sport's commitment to creating opportunities for all.

"Exceeding 150 registered participants for our very first World Sailing Inclusion Championships is a momentous achievement," said David Graham, World Sailing CEO.

"This incredible response underscores the deep passion and demand for Para Inclusive sailing events on the world stage. We are immensely grateful to Oman Sail for hosting this historic regatta and for sharing our vision of a sport that is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability."

Inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships achieves major entries milestone - photo © World Sailing

The World Sailing Inclusion Championships will bring together sailors with a wide range of disabilities, including Para-classified athletes and those who do not fall under the IPC classification code. They will compete across multiple classes in a dynamic environment that champions inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Competition will take place in one-person Hansa 303s and two-person RS Venture Connects, plus ILCA 6s for intellectually-impaired athletes, and FarEast 28Rs for visually-impaired athletes.

The event will also feature an Inclusive Development Programme (IDP) held prior to racing, providing critical training and development for sailors, coaches, and race officials from emerging nations.

Hannah Stodel, World Sailing's Para World Sailing Manager, added, "To see more than 150 athletes signed up is simply fantastic. It's a powerful testament to the strength and spirit of our sailing community. 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. We can't wait to welcome everyone to Oman for what promises to be an unforgettable week of racing and camaraderie."

The World Sailing Inclusion Championships will see the debut of several nations in inclusive sailing, proving the potential of the sport to inspire diverse communities from all continents. Sailors from Trinidad and Tobago, India, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Iraq, Indonesia and Uruguay among others will compete for the first time.

The official opening ceremony for the World Sailing Inclusion Championships is scheduled for 3 December 2025, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Read more about the World Sailing Inclusion Championships here.