Para & Inclusive Sailing Development

The World Sailing Inclusive Development Program (IDP) helps the Member National Authorities develop sustainable national Inclusive Sailing and training programmes.

Inclusive Development Program

The World Sailing Inclusive Development Program supports the training of all sailors including Para sailors and their coaches through several dedicated clinics subsidised by World Sailing.

The IDP focuses on true inclusion: sailing for everyone with no limits and creating equal opportunities for everybody. 

The subsidies can include travel expenses, cover accommodation and food costs during the clinics, and all practical equipment (boats and training resources) provided for the participants. The supported equipment classes for each clinic will vary, and MNAs are advised which classes (2.4mR, Hansa 303, RS Venture) are suitable for each clinic. World Sailing will work with the hosts to guide the program with shared resources to ensure the best outcome and lasting legacy of the program.

The IDP focuses on enabling the participating nations to grow sustainable training programmes. All clinics are centred around immersive learning techniques and focus on developing transferable skills that can be used by each individual MNA to further develop their individual sailors and programs.

How does it work?

The IDP is split into 3 key areas:

IDP- F (foundation)

This program is designed for MNAs and programs who want support at the foundation point where the overall aim is to increase participation at grass roots level.  The clinic focuses on centre set up, basic instructing and coaching techniques and race management. It equips MNAs with all the tools needed to set up new inclusive programs or further develop existing programs.

IDP- C (coaching) 

This program is centred around developing existing coaches and creating more coaches with an understanding of inclusive coaching and mentoring. The aim is to equip coaches with the skills needed to support a wide variety of disabilities in both type and severity covering both para and inclusive sailors. 

IDP- P (performance) 

The aim is to develop an inclusive athlete performance pathway, supporting both individual sailors as well as MNAs. These clinics are centres around key events and provide opportunities for the sailors to access high level coaching. It also provides MNAs with an in-depth understanding of regatta organisation. In addition, the IDP also helps to arrange classification opportunities for sailors that are not yet classified but wish to participate in competitive events

Inclusion Sailing World Championships

The aim of this event is to create a unique annual championships where everybody is included irrespective of age, gender identity or disability. The events will provide an equal platform in which people with or without disabilities can compete against each other. Each inclusive world championship will be preceded by an IDP. 

World Sailing will provide dedicated coaches to work with all IDP nations attending the Inclusion Sailing World Championships. The coaching team will arrange a daily briefing and de-briefing sessions, and on-water support will be provided on all race areas where IDP sailors are taking part.

Application to participate?

All eligible MNAs are invited to apply annually for attendance at IDP clinics.

World Sailing reviews each MNA application, and MNAs are assessed against pre-determined criteria to identify their eligibility level.

Each MNA can apply to have a maximum of two sailors, one coach, and a caregiver (if applicable) attend the clinics. The number of persons that an MNA can put forward may vary from clinic to clinic.

If you do not receive MNA support, you can also apply, and this should be done by contacting the Para World Sailing Manager.

Want to host an IDP?

Applications from nations to formally participate and host IDP activity can only be made directly through the MNAs.

Details of the dates/venues for performance clinics will be communicated directly to MNAs by World Sailing.

For more detailed information on this program, or to apply to host, please email the Training and Development Department.