Measure Success: Cyclops Marine joins World Sailing's Classification journey

The partnership marks another important milestone in World Sailing’s implementation of the 2025 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Classification Code, reinforcing the Federation’s commitment to building a classification system that is evidence-based, transparent and athlete-centred. 

The new code places significant emphasis on scientific evidence, research and continuous improvement, ensuring classification evolves alongside sport and remains fair for every athlete. World Sailing strengthens its connection to the Paralympic movement and Classification development through these scientific partnerships. 

The collaboration will begin at the Eurasian Inclusive Cup in India this August, where Cyclops Marine’s compact ATTO load sensors will form part of a pilot research project exploring how objective performance data can support the ongoing development of sailing classification. 

Cyclops Marine is recognised globally as a leader in wireless load sensing technology. Its products are trusted by Olympic sailors, America’s Cup campaigns, offshore racing teams and sailing clubs around the world, delivering highly accurate, real-time measurement of loads throughout a sailing system. The company’s philosophy of “Measured Success” reflects a belief that better decisions are made through better data, a vision that aligns perfectly with World Sailing’s approach to classification. 

During the pilot programme in India, Cyclops’ ATTO sensors will be integrated into World Sailing’s research to better understand how sailors interact with their equipment and how objective measurement may complement expert observation during classification. This technology will be used by World Sailing’s team of expert volunteer International Classifiers, to provide an additional layer of scientific evidence that will support future research into the relationship between impairment and sailing performance. 

The project represents another step towards creating a classification system that is not only fair and consistent but continually informed by innovation and robust evidence. 

Hannah Stodel, Para World Sailing Manager, said: “Classification is a shared responsibility. Building a fair, transparent and evidence-based system isn’t something any one organisation can do alone – it relies on collaboration between athletes, classifiers, researchers, technology partners and the wider sailing community. We’re incredibly grateful to Cyclops for joining us on that journey. Their willingness to support our research demonstrates how innovation and partnership can help strengthen classification for everyone, ensuring we continue to build confidence in a system that is scientifically informed, athlete-centred and fit for the future.”  

Adam Cockerill, Head of Marine, Cyclops, said: “At Cyclops, we’ve always believed that better decisions come from better data. Sailing has embraced technology to improve performance for many years, and we’re excited to see those same principles supporting fairness and innovation within Para sport. We’re proud to be working alongside World Sailing as this important research begins, and we look forward to seeing how objective measurement can contribute to the continued evolution of classification.” 

The pilot at the Eurasian Inclusive Cup will be the first stage of a wider programme of research that will continue through future international events, including the World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Portugal. 

By working alongside world-leading technology partners, World Sailing is demonstrating that implementing the IPC Classification Code is about more than meeting compliance requirements. It is about embracing innovation, investing in research and building confidence in a system that is fair, transparent and robust for every sailor. 

For Cyclops Global, “Measure Success” has always meant turning accurate data into better performance. Together with World Sailing, that same philosophy is now helping shape the future of Para sailing, using science, collaboration and innovation to create a fairer field of play for athletes around the world.