Is third time’s a charm for Para Sailing?

When the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) dropped sailing after the Rio 2016 Games, it was a wake-up call for World Sailing. Poor management, rising costs, and limited participation for the single-, double-, and triple-handed events was no longer acceptable, prompting a thorough rethink on how to move forward.

Despite progress, the IPC continued to exclude Sailing for the 2024 Games and 2028 Games, with World Sailing again submitting a proposal to the IPC for the Paralympic Games at Brisbane 2032. Here’s an update from the sailing federation:

The submission outlines a transformed global landscape for Para Sailing, driven by unprecedented growth, strengthened governance, and a modern, highly flexible sporting programme wholly aligned with IPC priorities.

Since World Sailing’s previous campaign for Paralympic Games inclusion in 2022, Para Sailing has undergone a period of significant expansion, strategic development and profound growth across all core areas.

Key milestones include:
• 39 nations across all five IPC regions now competing in Para Sailing (up from 28).
• A doubled global events calendar, from 57 events in 2022 to 111 in 2025.
• Athlete participation up by over 200%, with more than 400 Para sailors competing regularly.
• The Inclusive Development Program supporting 256 athletes and coaches from 40 nations since 2023.
• The inaugural 2025 World Sailing Inclusion Championships, a new annual event for sailors with disabilities.
• Female participation in the Inclusive Development Program rising to 34%, creating a pathway to full gender equity.
• A new Sub-Committee on Para Classification, guiding the implementation of updated IPC classification regulations.

“It is vital that we demonstrate how World Sailing has listened to and acted upon the IPC’s previous feedback, and this is what we have sought to do in our submission to the IPC,” said World Sailing President Quanhai Li.

“The sport is now in its strongest position ever. More nations and more athletes are competing; our events calendar is the most extensive in our history; and our investment in development, accessibility, and inclusion continues to grow.

“This progress has enabled us to deliver a clear, competitive, year-round pathway that prepares Para athletes for performance at the highest level: the Paralympic Games. We look forward to constructive dialogue with the IPC and its stakeholders as we work to bring Para Sailing back to the Games, 16 years after its last appearance at Rio 2016.”

World Sailing CEO David Graham added, “Para Sailing is on an incredible upward trajectory. Major competitions, including the America’s Cup, have recently made significant commitments to Para and Inclusive Sailing. They have done this because Para Sailing offers something truly unique: Para athletes competing in the heart of nature on the ocean. Few sports provide such an inspirational backdrop which captures the essence of freedom, resilience, and performance.

“Crucially, Para Sailing integrates seamlessly into existing Olympic Sailing operations and requires no major additional infrastructure. It is a low-risk, efficient, and high-impact model that enhances the Games without adding operational burden. I firmly believe we are ready to return to the Paralympic Games – and Brisbane 2032 would be a landmark, truly motivational moment for Para sailors around the world.”