Accessibility & Inclusion

A key part of achieving this vision is empowering the clubs and organisations at the heart of our global community. Creating a truly inclusive environment requires a proactive approach to identifying and removing barriers to participation.

To support this goal, World Sailing has developed a comprehensive set of guidelines for sailing clubs, Member National Authorities (MNAs), and sailing communities worldwide to address barriers to participation and create sailing programmes that promote social inclusion and are welcoming to all.

This framework has been developed as part of World Sailing’s Sustainability Agenda 2030 with the goal of promoting access to the sport focused on under-represented groups and provides a foundational framework for developing and implementing initiatives that foster a sense of belonging, empowerment, and community to introduce the joy of sailing to a new audience. The resources cover key areas such as:

• Disadvantaged youth,
• People with disabilities,
• and those from underrepresented backgrounds.

The objective is to provide a clear roadmap for any organisation wishing to grow its membership and better reflect the diversity of its community. By working together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for sailing.

The guidebook offers practical, step by step advice on planning and delivering inclusive sailing programmes, from recruitment and staff training to measuring impact.

The guidebook is supported by four Case Studies showcasing successful initiatives from around the world.

Combining World Sailing’s Sustainability Sessions and Development Webinar Series, the session introduces the new Social Inclusion Guidebook, a practical resource to help sailing clubs and organisations make the sport more welcoming and accessible to all.

The session will also feature inspiring presentations from:

• Scaramouche Sailing Trust, showing how sailing has transformed opportunities for inner-city students.
• Make Them Sailors, a global initiative connecting community sailing projects to ensure no one is left ashore.

Register here and learn how these programmes are breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and shaping a more inclusive future for sailing!