World Sailing’s new Social Inclusion guidebook aims to create opportunities for everyone within the sport

The guidebook has been developed as part of World Sailing’s Sustainability Agenda 2030 with the goal of promoting access to the sport focused on under-represented groups and provides a foundational framework for developing and implementing initiatives that foster a sense of belonging, empowerment, and community to introduce the joy of sailing to a new audience.

By addressing issues such as disadvantaged youth, people with disabilities, and those from underrepresented backgrounds. The guidebook offers practical, step by step advice on planning and delivering inclusive sailing programmes, from recruitment and staff training to measuring impact.

Examples, suggestions and considerations are given to allow programme facilitators to design accessible and engaging activities based on their target demographic.

“Sailing is a sport for everyone, and this guidebook is a crucial step towards making that a reality in every club and community,” said David Graham, World Sailing CEO. “Our goal is to equip our members with the tools and knowledge they need to build a truly inclusive culture from the grassroots to the elite level. By embracing diversity, we not only strengthen our sport but also enrich our global community.”

“This guidebook is more than just a document; it’s a call to action,” added Fiona Kidd, World Sailing’s Head of International Development. “It encourages clubs to look at their own operations and ask, ‘How can we be more open? How can we better reflect the diversity of our society?’ The answers to those questions will drive the future growth and sustainability of our sport.”

A special webinar has been organised to combine World Sailing’s Sustainability Sessions and Development Webinar Series. Taking place on Wednesday 17 September at 6pm UK (BST) / 5pm UTC, the session will introduce the new Social Inclusion Guidebook and features inspiring presentations from the Scaramouche Sailing Trust, showing how sailing has transformed opportunities for inner-city students, and Make Them Sailors, a global initiative connecting community sailing projects to ensure no one is left ashore.

Register here to join the webinar and learn how these programmes are breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and shaping a more inclusive future for sailing

The guidebook is also supported by four Case Studies showcasing successful initiatives from around the world.

These feature: Make Them Sailors (Bahamas); Projeto Grael Mentoring Programme (Brazil); Scaramouche Sailing Trust (UK); and The Skipper Foundation (South Africa); each demonstrating how sailing can break down barriers and create opportunities in different ways. New case studies will be added, with the aim of including at least one programme from every region to ensure the guidebook remains relevant and representative of the global sailing community.

The Social Inclusion in Sailing Guidebook and the four case studies are available to download on the World Sailing website.