World Sailing approves members of newly-formed Classification Sub-Committee

The new body will be responsible for overseeing the global integrity and governance of the athlete classification system and will operate under the direction of the Para World Sailing Committee. 

Appointed to the Classification Sub-Committee are: 

• Helen Mckenzie (NZL) – Chair
• Sarah Ross (AUS) – Vice-Chair
• Sue Parry (GBR)
• Berard Destrube (FRA)
• Jurgen Schwittai (GER)
• Stephen Wilson (AUS)
• Yoshi Yamada (JPN)
• Barbara Caplan (USA)
• Jenny Molson (CAN)
• Akira Shimzu (JPN)
• Pedro Cunha (POR)

Classification plays a critical role in ensuring fair and credible Para Inclusive competition. As Para sailing continues to grow globally, it is essential that World Sailing’s classification systems meet international standards and reflect best practice. 

World Sailing President Quanhai Li welcomed the appointments. He commented, “This is an important step in the global development of Para Inclusive Sailing. Classification is the backbone of the sport and by introducing a new dedicated World Sailing body we are able to support increased participation, stronger governance and an alignment with the highest levels of Para Inclusive sport. The members appointed to the new Sub-Committee are all highly experienced International Classifiers and I commend them for volunteering to drive the sport forward, and the Board for approving their appointments.”  

This year will see significant changes to the Para Sailing classification system to bring it in line with the 2025 International Paralympic Committee Classification Code. This includes the rollout of a new Globocol classification database, which will support more secure record-keeping, clearer tracking of classification history and a smoother experience for sailors, classifiers and organisers.  

The formation of a dedicated Classification Sub-Committee strengthens World Sailing’s commitment to the expansion of Para Sailing participation, from grassroots development programmes to international competition.  

Council also approved workplans for World Sailing’s Committees and Sub-Committees for the coming year and provided an update on the review of Olympic events under Regulation 11.5. More information on the Olympic events review can be found here. 

Council also considered a series of proposals aimed at clarifying areas of the sport, including the approval of a policy providing optional wording for Organising Authorities’ Notices of Race and Sailing Instructions on sustainability, manual power and outside help, derived from the Offshore Special Regulations and establishing a Governance framework for Augmented Race Management Systems. 

The next World Sailing Council meeting will be on 9 June 2026. Minutes and papers for Council meetings are available here.