World Sailing announces Global Inclusion Development Programme schedule across 2026 and 2027

World Sailing has announced the schedule of its Inclusive Development Programme (IDP), planned across 2026 and 2027, aimed at supercharging the worldwide reach of Para Inclusive Sailing.

The IDP is a central part of World Sailing’s commitment to growing Para Inclusive Sailing worldwide. Through practical training, coaching, equipment familiarisation, racing opportunities and long-term capacity building, the programme supports sailors, coaches, Member National Authorities and host venues to build sustainable inclusive sailing pathways.

Designed to be flexible and responsive to local needs, the IDP includes:

• Foundation programmes for emerging and developing sailing communities,
• Coaching focused delivery to support workforce development, and,
• Performance programmes linked to major international events

A global programme for 2026

The 2026 schedule began in the Caribbean, with the first Inclusive Development Programme in the region taking place at the National Sailing Academy in Antigua from 22–28 June 2026. This IDP – F supported sailors, coaches and representatives from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Further Foundation-level activity will follow in Europe and Oceania through dedicated seated Wingfoiling development programmes. An IDP – Foundation (Wing) is planned for July in Germany, followed by a second IDP – Foundation (Wing) programme in August in Queensland, Australia. Having two dedicated Seated Wing IDPs, across two continents will drive growth of this fast-paced discipline, and spark new programmes in the Region.

In August 2026, the IDP will move to the Royal Mysore Sailing Club in India, where a Foundation programme will be delivered alongside the Eurasian Cup. The programme will support the continued growth of Para Inclusive Sailing in the region.

A major milestone in the 2026 calendar will come in Portimão, Portugal, where the IDP will be integrated into the World Sailing Inclusion Championships in October. This IDP – P will sit alongside championship racing and involve a wide range of Para Inclusive equipment and disciplines. More details about the World Sailing Inclusion Championships can be found here.

Additional offshore-focused IDP activity is also being developed for Turkey in 2026 further expanding the programme’s reach across different formats of sailing.

Together, the 2026 schedule reflects World Sailing’s commitment to supporting development across multiple regions, boat types and disciplines; from introductory Para Inclusive Sailing and regional capacity building to performance preparation and emerging pathways.

Building momentum into 2027

The 2027 schedule continues the global expansion of the IDP, beginning in Cape Town, South Africa, in February 2027, where a Foundation programme is planned using SV14 equipment.

In May 2027, an IDP – Coaching is scheduled in Europe, supporting coach development and inclusive delivery skills. The programme is expected to bring together participants from multiple MNAs, helping strengthen the coaching workforce that underpins long-term Para Inclusive Sailing growth.

An IDP – Performance will be delivered alongside the World Sailing Championships in Gdynia, Poland. This programme will combine performance activity with bespoke Visual Impairment delivery.

Another IDP – Performance is planned for September 2027 in Hiroshima, Japan, linked to the Hiroshima Peace Cup.

In October 2027, an IDP is planned in Santiago, Chile, linked to the Special Olympics. The programme will support Foundation and Performance activity for Intellectual Impairment pathways using Hansa 303 and ILCA equipment.

The 2027 schedule will conclude with further seated Wingfoiling development in at the Manta Centre, Vietnam, from the 8–12 December 2027, which will culminate in a Seated WingFoil regatta, forming Asian Inclusive Sailing Series (AISS) – WING. This Foundation – WING programme will continue World Sailing’s work to develop new Para Inclusive disciplines and expand access to emerging formats.

Creating sustainable Para Inclusive Sailing pathways

Across the full schedule, the IDP will support a broad range of participants, regions and delivery environments.

Foundation programmes will help new and developing regions build the practical skills, confidence and systems needed to start or strengthen Para Inclusive Sailing activity.

Coaching programmes will support the development of inclusive coaching workforces.

Performance programmes will help sailors and support teams prepare for international competition.

Bespoke programmes will allow World Sailing to respond to specific development needs, including Visual Impairment, Intellectual Impairment and seated Wingfoiling pathways.

The schedule also reflects the growing importance of linking development activity to major events. By connecting the IDP to competitions such as the Eurasian Cup, World Sailing Inclusion Championships, World Sailing Championships, Hiroshima Peace Cup, the Special Olympics Quadrennial Games and the AISS – WING, World Sailing is ensuring that learning is connected to real competition environments and long-term pathway opportunities.

Member National Authorities invited to get involved

Member National Authorities are encouraged to engage with the Inclusive Development Programme as the global schedule expands across 2026 and 2027. MNAs can support the programme by identifying sailors, coaches and local delivery partners who would benefit from IDP participation, by promoting opportunities within their national sailing and disability sport networks, and by exploring future hosting opportunities where there is potential to build sustainable Para Inclusive Sailing activity.

World Sailing is particularly keen to hear from MNAs looking to establish new Para Inclusive Sailing programmes, strengthen existing activity, develop inclusive coaching capacity, or connect athletes with international competition pathways. The IDP is designed to meet nations where they are – whether that means supporting first steps on the water, building regional coaching capability, preparing sailors for major events, or developing emerging disciplines such as Seated Wingfoiling. MNAs can contact World Sailing at Para.Worldsailing@sailing.org.

The next phase of the Inclusive Development Programme marks a significant step in World Sailing’s work to make sailing more accessible, more inclusive and more globally connected.

From Antigua to Vietnam, and from Foundation activity to Performance preparation, the IDP will continue to create opportunities for sailors with impairments, support the coaches and officials who deliver the sport, and help more nations build sustainable Para Inclusive Sailing systems.