Sheboygan, USA will host the 2018 Para World Sailing Championships
Sheboygan, USA will host the 2018 Para World Sailing Championships
Sheboygan, USA will host the 2018 Para World Sailing Championships this September and sailor preparations are well underway after the first Paralympic Development Program (PDP) clinic of 2018 was held in Malcesine, Italy.
From 8-13 May, 18 sailors and coaches received expert training and guidance from World Sailing's Regional Development Co-ordinator, Tim Cross, as they refined their skillsets and techniques ahead of the September World Championships.
Representatives from Antigua and Venezuela participated in the PDP for the first time and were joined by others from Estonia, Latvia, Greece, Spain, Austria and Italy.
Massimo Dighe, Para World Sailing Manager, commented, "Sheboygan is a crucial event for World Sailing to demonstrate to the International Paralympic Committee the steps we continue to take to grow our sport. It's pleasing to see so many new nations coming into Para World Sailing and enjoying the discipline. We remain committed to working closely with all our members to ensure further growth and development.
"Malcesine provided sailors with a perfect playing field to train and prepare. We had strong wind in the morning and light wind in the afternoon, allowing different techniques to be explained and sailors to be involved in different situations.
"The training was focused on boat preparations and handling and the regatta we hosted on the final day, that also involved the Italian Para Sailing Team, highlighted how far these sailors had come during the clinic.
"The best is yet to come from them all and World Sailing is looking forward to welcoming them in Sheboygan."
The World Sailing PDP helps MNAs by assisting in the development of national Para World Sailing and training programmes. As well as supporting the training of Para World Sailors and their coaches through a number of dedicated performance clinics, and if required, helping to arrange classification opportunities for sailors. The PDP also focusses on enabling the participating nations to grow sustainable training programs.
Sailors trained and raced on the Hansa 303 and RS Venture, the boats selected for the 2018 Para World Sailing Championships. The sailors varied from skilled, experienced ones to newcomers to the sport such as 13-year-old Justine Liepina from Latvia.
For further information on the Paralympic Development Program, please contact Para World Sailing Manager, Massimo Dighe, via [email protected].
The PDP clinics aid in increasing Para World Sailing participation globally and are an integral part of World Sailing's Strategic Plan.
