World Sailing Inclusion Championships returns to Portimão

More than 200 athletes from over 40 nations have registered to compete across eight disciplines at the 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Portimão, making the event one of the most internationally diverse showcases of Para Inclusive Sailing.

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

Several nations will be making their World Sailing Inclusion Championships debut after last year’s inaugural edition which also saw many new teams take part, proving the potential of the sport to inspire diverse communities from all continents. Sailors from Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, and Vietnam, among others, will participate in the championship for the first time as a result of the IDP. 

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

The Para Inclusive One Person Keelboat World Championship (Hansa 303) is the biggest fleet, with 56 entries, while the Para Inclusive Two-Person Keelboat World Championship (RS Venture Connect) has 30 entries, potentially representing 60 sailors.

The Inclusive Two-Person Keelboat Open Championship (Hansa 303) has 16 entries, or up to 32 sailors, and the Para One-Person Technical (2.4mR) fleet has 14 entries.

New this year, the Para Multihull (Challenger) has 12 entries, and the Para WingFoil demonstration event already has 10 entries, which shows that innovation in Para Inclusive Sailing is at the forefront of growth in the sport.

The Visually Impaired World Championships has 12 crews entered, a total of 48 sailors from leading nations including Brazil, Canada, Spain, France, Great Britain, Japan, Sweden and USA.

There are also five entries in the Intellectual Impairment World Championship, representing St Kitts & Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago and Hong Kong, China.

Ferran Muniesa, World Sailing Director of Events, said: "The response underscores the deep passion and demand for Para Inclusive Sailing events on the world stage. Generous funding from The America’s Cup will help to make this year’s World Sailing Inclusion Championships more comprehensive than last year as we add classes and increase the potential for Para and Inclusive Sailing to grow around the world. We are immensely grateful to our hosts in Portimão for sharing our vision of a sport that is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability."

Hannah Stodel, World Sailing's Para World Sailing Manager, added: "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 are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Portimão for what promises to be an unforgettable week of racing and camaraderie."  

The championship serves as a cornerstone of World Sailing's Para Inclusive Strategy 2024–2029, setting a high standard of inclusivity for people with disabilities in sport. The strong registration numbers highlight the growing global enthusiasm for inclusive sailing and the sport's commitment to creating opportunities for all.

The official opening ceremony for the World Sailing Inclusion Championships is scheduled for 4 October 2026.