World Sailing has confirmed that Portimão, Portugal will be the host city for the 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships, scheduled from 1 to 11 October 2026. The event aims to attract over 250 competitors from more than 40 countries, featuring a wide array of Para and Inclusive sailing classes.
This edition will continue building on the success of the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Oman, promising high-performance racing combined with an inclusive on-shore programme. The championships are intended not only as a competitive event but also as a platform to promote inclusion and development pathways within sailing.
The successful bid was led by Vela Solidária, highlighting Portimão’s capability in delivering major international events like the Hansa World Championships. This reputation comes from its strong infrastructure, including fully accessible pontoons and lifting facilities, suitable accommodation, and effective local collaboration to ensure safety and sustainability.
As part of World Sailing’s Para Inclusive Strategy 2024–2029, the championships will include an Inclusive Development Programme (IDP) to help sailors and support staff from emerging nations gain access to vital training and competition pathways.
Hannah Stodel, World Sailing’s Para Sailing Manager, emphasized the broader mission behind the championships, focusing on creating opportunities and pathways that demonstrate the synergy between high-performance sport and inclusion. With the contract signed, the organisation is eager to collaborate with partners to make the event exceptional.
Luís Brito, president of Vela Solidária, reflected on the journey leading to this moment, expressing pride in the community’s commitment to creating unique experiences for participating sailors. He underscored the unifying objective among various stakeholders, including the Municipality of Portimão and the Portuguese Sailing Federation, to establish Portimão as a leader in inclusive sailing events.
The Mayor of Portimão, Álvaro Bila, shared his city’s enthusiasm for hosting this significant championship, citing the local culture of sport and inclusion as strengths of their bid. He acknowledged the expertise of partners like World Sailing and Vela Solidária and expressed the city’s commitment to making the event a benchmark in the domain of inclusive sailing.
Details regarding the specific classes, entry quotas, and general entry information will be announced as the event approaches. The inclusion of strong community engagement and accessible resources underscores the overarching goal to elevate the standard and visibility of Para Inclusive sailing on the global stage.
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