Building momentum in the Caribbean: Inclusive Development Programme & Caribbean Inclusive Sailing Championships

Hosted in Antigua by the National Sailing Academy in partnership with Sailability Antigua, the programme brought together athletes, coaches and emerging leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond for an intensive week focused on learning, development and competition.

Participants travelled from nine nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Chile, reflecting the growing global interest in Para Inclusive Sailing and the expanding reach of World Sailing’s development pathways.

The IDP was designed not only to prepare sailors for future competition, including the 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Portimão, Portugal, but also to create lasting impact by supporting sustainable growth in Para Inclusive Sailing across the Caribbean.

Across the programme, participants explored a wide range of key topics including athlete pathways, classification, event opportunities, inclusive coaching methodology, equipment and adaptions, funding support and the opportunities available through World Sailing for emerging nations targeting WSIC. Sessions focused on building knowledge, confidence and leadership, ensuring that the impact of the programme continues long after the week itself.

A major focus throughout was helping sailors, coaches and national programmes better understand the pathway into international competition and what is required to build sustainable, successful Para Inclusive Sailing programmes.

A particularly exciting moment during the week came during a dedicated evening session with the International Hansa Class Association, focused on equipment access and long-term growth opportunities in the region.

During this session, the Hansa Class demonstrated its commitment to supporting the growth of Para Inclusive Sailing by offering refurbished Hansa boats, free of charge, to interested countries looking to build or expand local sailing programmes.

This generous offer created a significant opportunity for nations across the Caribbean and wider region to accelerate development, reduce barriers to entry and create more sustainable pathways for athletes to access regular training and competition.

The Inclusive Development Programme and the Caribbean Inclusive Sailing Championships were delivered entirely using RS Venture Connect boats. This ensured a consistent and inclusive platform throughout the week, allowing athletes from a wide range of impairment groups and experience levels to train and compete together in a fair and supportive environment.

While equipment development discussions included future opportunities involving other classes, including Hansa, the delivery of both the IDP and Championships remained neutral and focused on providing the best possible athlete experience for all participants.

Despite some early logistical challenges, the resilience, adaptability and positivity shown by everyone involved set the tone for an exceptional week. The spirit of collaboration across the group was outstanding, with athletes and coaches supporting one another, sharing knowledge and building a genuine regional community.

The programme concluded with the inaugural Caribbean Inclusive Sailing Championships, showcasing the region’s growing strength in inclusive competition.

The championship featured participation across multiple impairment groups, including:

• Physical Impairment (PI)
• Vision Impairment (VI)
• Central Impairment (CI)

This reflected World Sailing’s commitment to creating meaningful, inclusive competition opportunities for athletes across the full spectrum of Para Inclusive Sailing.

Just as importantly, the event showcased the spirit of collaboration and community that sat at the heart of the entire week. Several teams were formed by sailors from different nations racing together, supporting one another and sharing knowledge both on and off the water.

This cross-border collaboration perfectly captured the ethos of the programme – building opportunity, connection and long-term growth through inclusive sailing.

In a fantastic conclusion to the week:

• Jamaica / BVI claimed 1st place
• Grenada finished 2nd
• Chile / Barbados secured 3rd

The mixed-nationality podium reflected something far bigger than race results. It demonstrated the power of partnership, community and collective growth, and highlighted exactly what Para Inclusive Sailing can achieve when barriers are removed and nations work together.

More than the results, the championship highlighted the extraordinary community developing within Caribbean Para Inclusive Sailing – one built on support, determination, learning and opportunity.

The week would not have been possible without the incredible commitment and hard work of so many people.

Special thanks go to the World Sailing coaching team, led by Dan Jaspers and supported by Apprentice Coach Logan Bell, whose expertise, passion and commitment helped create a truly impactful experience for all participants. World Sailing would also like to thank the teams at the National Sailing Academy and Sailability Antigua, alongside the many local staff, volunteers and supporters who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the programme possible. We are also grateful to Aethic Skincare for supporting the IDP through their skincare partnership. Their contribution provided practical support to participants while also demonstrating the growing value of partnerships in supporting inclusive sport.

The Caribbean IDP and Championships represent far more than a single event. They mark the beginning of a stronger regional pathway, increased collaboration between nations, and growing momentum toward the future of Para Inclusive Sailing. With many participants now targeting WSIC 2026, the progress made in Antigua is already shaping the next chapter.

The future for Caribbean Para Inclusive Sailing looks incredibly bright.