World Sailing and World Abilitysport partner to host Para Inclusive Sailing at Beach Games

World Sailing and World Abilitysport have partnered to host Para Inclusive Sailing at the 2025 World Abilitysport Beach Games in Mersin, Türkiye.

Alongside an eclectic mix of six other open-air and beach sports, Para inclusive sailing will be hosted from 18-25 October in the city’s picturesque Mersin Marina.

World Sailing CEO, David Graham said, “We are immensely proud to be part of the World Abilitysport Beach Games. Para Inclusive Sailing is growing around the world and as we make progress towards our objective of reaching 40 participating nations by 2029, the 2025 World Abilitysport Beach Games can further demonstrate the inclusivity of sailing, as well as the sport’s ability to excite and inspire.”

The International Open will welcome competitors for four days of competition in Hansa 303 Class. The World Sailing approved competition will offer 100-point ranking as well as all-important international classification opportunities.

The Local Organising Committee at NPC Türkiye have been working closely with the Turkish Sailing Federation who have recently announced the procurement of twelve new Hansa 303 boats for the Games.

Tayfun Erey, Sport Director at the Turkish Sailing Federation said, “The purchase of these boats is a huge step for us and we are incredibly excited to be hosting athletes from around the world in Mersin. The Turkish Paralympic Committee in partnership with the Turkish Sailing Federation, are fully committed to making this event a huge success.”

NPC Türkiye President, Murat Aksu added, “Our ambition for this Games is to create a lasting legacy in the city and the purchase of these boats by the Turkish Sailing Federation will allow more athletes from Türkiye and around the world to access the sport of Para sailing.”

Organised by World Abilitysport — the global governing body for Para and inclusive sports formerly known as IWAS — the 2025 Beach Games in Mersin will be the first of its kind. The Games focus on accessible, beach-based competition and will bring together athletes from across the world in sports such as:

• Beach Para-Volley (World Championships)
• Para Powerlifting (Beach Edition)
• Adaptive Padel
• Air Badminton
• Sepak Takraw
• Laser Run (Modern Pentathlon)
• Para-Inclusive Sailing (debut)

Mersin, located on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast, offers ideal conditions with over 100 km of coastline, a purpose-built sailing marina, and strong government and community support.

This event aligns with World Sailing’s Para Sailing Strategy 2024–2029, which targets increased global participation, gender equity, and greater integration of sailing into mainstream multi-sport frameworks. In 2025 alone, Para sailors will have the opportunity to compete across multiple platforms: from the World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Oman, to the RS Venture Connect World Championships, and now the World Abilitysport Beach Games.

Entries close on 4 September. More information about the Beach Games and how to register can be found here.

Additional text courtesy of World Abilitysport Beach Games. Read more at worldabilitysport.org.