The global reach of Para Inclusive Sailing is set to expand significantly over the next two years, with World Sailing confirming a full schedule of Inclusive Development Programme (IDP) events spanning six regions from mid-2026 through to December 2027.
The IDP sits at the core of World Sailing's push to grow Para Inclusive Sailing worldwide. It combines practical training, coaching, equipment familiarisation, racing opportunities and longer-term capacity building, with programmes structured across three main types: Foundation, Coaching, and Performance, plus bespoke delivery for specific needs.
The 2026 programme is already under way. The first IDP held in the Caribbean took place at the National Sailing Academy in Antigua from 22 to 28 June, with sailors, coaches and representatives attending from across the region and beyond.
From there, the calendar moves to Europe and Oceania, with dedicated seated Wingfoiling Foundation programmes planned for Germany in July and Queensland, Australia in August. Running two Seated Wing IDPs across two continents in quick succession is intended to drive growth in the discipline and spark new programmes in each region.
August also brings a Foundation programme to the Royal Mysore Sailing Club in India, delivered alongside the Eurasian Cup. October's standout event is in Portimão, Portugal, where an IDP will be built directly into the World Sailing Inclusion Championships, covering a wide range of Para Inclusive equipment and disciplines. Offshore-focused IDP activity is also being developed for Turkey, rounding out a varied 2026 schedule.
The 2027 calendar opens in Cape Town, South Africa in February with a Foundation programme using SV14 equipment, then moves to Europe in May for a Coaching-focused IDP aimed at building inclusive delivery skills across multiple national authorities. A Performance IDP linked to the World Sailing Championships in Gdynia, Poland will include bespoke Visual Impairment delivery, while a second Performance programme is planned for Hiroshima, Japan in September, tied to the Hiroshima Peace Cup.
October 2027 brings an IDP in Santiago, Chile connected to the Special Olympics, supporting both Foundation and Performance activity for Intellectual Impairment pathways using Hansa 303 and ILCA equipment. The programme wraps up at the Manta Centre in Vietnam from 8 to 12 December, finishing with a Seated WingFoil regatta forming part of the Asian Inclusive Sailing Series.
Member National Authorities are encouraged to engage with the programme as the schedule expands, by identifying sailors, coaches and local delivery partners, promoting opportunities through their networks, and exploring future hosting options. Those interested can contact World Sailing at Para.Worldsailing@sailing.org.
