The 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships will bring together around 230 sailors from 40 countries in Portimão next week. Competitors include Paralympic champions, established international athletes, and a new generation of sailors, all set to take to the start line.
Racing is scheduled to occur from 5-10 October, and the event promises compelling stories beyond just the winners. Athletes returning to international competition, new nations emerging through World Sailing’s Inclusive Development Programme (IDP), and entirely new disciplines joining the programme all contribute to the excitement at this second edition.
In the Para Inclusive One-Person Keelboat World Championship, the Hansa 303 fleet features notable names such as Piotr Cichocki (POL), Jens Kroker (GER), Gauthier Bril (FRA), and Rory McKinna (GBR). This fleet also highlights the sport’s growing reach, with Zaida Perez Bugueño (CHI) advancing through the development pathway since participating in the programme in The Hague in 2023. Daniel McCollin (BAR) transitions from the Antigua IDP earlier this year to compete at the World Championships.
India and Korea will return with multiple Hansa 303 entries, showcasing how investment in development translates into sustained international participation.
A touching story features Xervier Doney (NZL), who will compete alongside his father, Paul, in the Inclusive Two-Person Keelboat event. Xervier, an Intellectual Impairment sailor, progressed through the Australia IDP in 2025, marking his debut in international competition.
The Para Inclusive Two-Person Keelboat World Championship will highlight strong teams from Great Britain, France, and host nation Portugal. Maureen McKinnon (USA), a Paralympic gold medallist in the SKUD18, returns to international two-person competition with Shan McAdoo.
Exciting new international representation includes Thailand’s Tanat Upatising and Tammachat Sriopas, who progressed to the Championships after the IDP in India. Jamaica joins the fleet following participation in the Antigua IDP, and Ukraine will also be represented following collaboration with the Superhumans Center.
The Championships will debut the Challenger in the Para Inclusive One-Person Multihull World Championship. Russell Vollmer (RSA), a veteran from the Paralympic era in the 2.4mR class, will return alongside entrants from Trinidad & Tobago, India, and Vietnam, providing an avenue for sailors from developing Para programmes to compete internationally.
The Para Inclusive One-Person Technical Championship will feature experienced competitors like Niko Salomaa (FIN) and John Seepe (USA), alongside an international lineup from Europe, Asia, and North America.
A notable addition is the Para Inclusive WingFoil, joining as a demonstration discipline. This new and rapidly growing format has been collaboratively developed by Australian Sailing and World Sailing, involving athletes, coaches, and equipment specialists to refine equipment and racing formats. Athletes from Australia, France, Great Britain, Germany, India, Italy, Trinidad & Tobago, and Vietnam will participate, helping shape the future of this discipline.
The Intellectual Impairment and Cognitive Impairment programme will also see innovation, with accessible racing formats continuing to evolve. Hong Kong, China will return with Ho Tin Lam and Tsz Hin Cheung among the II entries, alongside representatives from St Kitts & Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago. Murray McDonald from Great Britain will attempt to defend his titles.
The Vision Impaired Keelboat World Championship will showcase experienced names such as Dani Anglada Pich (ESP) and Lucy Hodges (GBR), both contributing to the development of VI sailing and fostering opportunities for new competitors. The RS21 will add a new dimension to the VI competition.
The 2026 field reflects both the rich history and the evolving landscape of Para Inclusive Sailing, with new nations, equipment, and disciplines joining established championship fleets. Portimão will offer a glimpse into the future of the sport.
The 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships is delivered in partnership with Vela Solidária, the Municipality of Portimão, and the Portuguese Sailing Federation, with backing from The America’s Cup.
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