More than 200 athletes from over 40 nations are set to compete at the 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Portimão, Portugal, from 4-10 October. Registration has closed for the second edition of the championships, with eight disciplines on the programme and a record entry expected.
The event will begin with the Inclusive Development Programme ahead of racing, providing training and development for sailors, coaches and race officials from emerging sailing nations.
Several countries will make their Inclusion Championships debut, including Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis and Vietnam.
Eight Disciplines on Portimão Programme
The championships bring together sailors with a range of disabilities, including Para-classified competitors and athletes who do not fall under the International Paralympic Committee classification code.
The largest fleet will be in the Para Inclusive One Person Keelboat World Championship for the Hansa 303, with 56 entries.
The Para Inclusive Two-Person Keelboat World Championship in the RS Venture Connect has 30 entries, representing potentially 60 sailors.
There are also 16 entries in the Inclusive Two-Person Keelboat Open Championship for the Hansa 303 and 14 entries in the Para One-Person Technical 2.4mR fleet.
New for 2026 are the Para Multihull Challenger class, with 12 entries, and a Para WingFoil demonstration event, which has attracted 10 entries.
Visually Impaired Worlds Attract 12 Crews
The Visually Impaired World Championships have attracted 12 crews, comprising 48 sailors from Brazil, Canada, Spain, France, Great Britain, Japan, Sweden and the United States.
Five entries have also been received for the Intellectual Impairment World Championship, representing St Kitts & Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago and Hong Kong, China.
World Sailing Director of Events Ferran Muniesa said the entry reflected growing demand for Para Inclusive Sailing.
“The response underscores the deep passion and demand for Para Inclusive Sailing events on the world stage,” Muniesa said. He added that funding from The America’s Cup would allow the 2026 championships to expand with additional classes.
Opening Ceremony Set for 4 October
World Sailing's Para World Sailing Manager Hannah Stodel described the championships as both a competition and a showcase for inclusive sailing. “This is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of our diverse and capable athletes and a huge step forward in our mission to grow Para Inclusive sailing globally,” she said.
The championships form part of World Sailing's Para Inclusive Strategy 2024-2029.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, 4 October, with racing taking place during the following week.
The event is being delivered with Vela Solidária, the Municipality of Portimão and the Portuguese Sailing Federation, with backing from The America’s Cup.
