This strategic funding from both the sport’s international governing body and sailing’s most historic and iconic event represents a meaningful commitment to push Para Inclusive Sailing forward.
The joint effort will support the 2025 World Sailing Inclusion Championships, classification pathways, capacity-building for emerging nations, the Inclusive Development Programme (IDP), and the implementation of World Sailing’s Para Inclusive Strategy.
David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, said, “This level of support from The America’s Cup is more than financial – it is symbolic. It shows that the world’s most prestigious events recognise the value of Para Inclusive Sailing and believe in its future. Their investment strengthens our global programmes, supports emerging nations, and helps more sailors to compete internationally. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership.”
Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup said, “We are extremely proud to be continuing and in fact growing our support for para sailing. Sailing is an inclusive sport at all levels, and we would like to see a future with para sailing as part of the America’s Cup, with the possibility of a para sailing team competing in the AC40 Class. So this collaboration is the first step in that direction.”
Hannah Stodel, Para Sailing Manager, added, “This backing accelerates everything we’ve been working for – greater access to international competition for Para sailors combined with stronger participation pathways to enable more people with disabilities to compete on the water. The America’s Cup stepping into this space sends a message: Para Inclusive Sailing belongs at the heart of the sport. The World Sailing Inclusion Championships will be stronger and our work with emerging nations will reach further.”
The first tranche of funding will enable travel grants, coaching, and equipment support for emerging nations seeking to enter the global pathway. This funding ensures athletes who have historically lacked access to high-level competition can participate on the world stage – in some cases, for the first time.
The remainder of the funding is being directed toward strengthening the Para Inclusive system itself. This includes officials and access to classification, advancing the sport’s compliance with IPC requirements, developing coaches and technical officials, and reinforcing the structures needed for a credible and competitive reinstatement bid ahead of Brisbane 2032.
The collaboration with The America’s Cup underscores a growing movement within the sport: world-leading events stepping forward to elevate Para Inclusive Sailing, amplifying its visibility, and recognising its place alongside the biggest events in sailing. It signals a future where high-profile events and Para athletes stand shoulder-to-shoulder, raising the sport’s global profile while strengthening its credibility within the Paralympic ecosystem.
The 2025 World Sailing Inclusion Championships, hosted by Oman Sail, will welcome over 150 athletes across Para, Inclusive, Intellectual Impairment, and Visually Impaired disciplines. The event stands as the flagship expression of the Para Inclusive Strategy and a cornerstone of World Sailing’s revitalised case for Paralympic reinstatement.
