Building more than sailors – Building a Caribbean community

I’ve been sailing for many years and didn’t need to attend because I wanted to learn how to race an RS Venture Connect. I came because I believe Para Inclusive Sailing has a real future in Grenada, and I wanted to help build that future not just for myself, but for the sailors who will come after me. 

That’s what made this programme so special. 

The World Sailing team brought together sailors and coaches from across the Caribbean, but it never felt like we were simply being taught. Everyone had something to contribute. Whether it was sharing ideas, helping prepare the boats, solving problems together or talking through experiences from our own countries, every conversation felt valuable. 

The National Sailing Academy in Antigua was an incredible host. There was a real sense that everyone wanted the programme to succeed, and that attitude spread quickly through the whole group. Before long, it didn’t matter which island you came from, we were all working towards the same goal. 

Of course, we really came to race as well. 

The first Caribbean Inclusive Championships brought together sailors who, in many cases, had never sailed together before. There was close racing, protests, plenty of learning and, above all, a lot of laughter. That’s what I’ll remember most about the week; the atmosphere. We worked hard, but we also enjoyed every minute of it. 

Like many things in the Caribbean, there was a spirit of “we’ll make it work.” Whether it was adapting to changing conditions, helping someone launch a boat or singing and dancing together after sailing, there was always someone willing to lend a hand. 

I left Antigua with more than new knowledge. I left with new friends, stronger connections across the region and even more belief that Para Inclusive Sailing can grow throughout the Caribbean. 

Now the real work begins.

Back in Grenada, my goal is to keep that momentum going, encourage more people to get involved and help create opportunities for the next generation of sailors. Hopefully, many of us will meet again soon, this time representing our countries at the World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Portugal. 

Because that’s what the Inclusive Development Programme is really about. 

It’s not just about developing sailors. 

It’s about developing the people who will go home and build the future of our sport.