Irish Sailing’s mission is to provide an environment in which all our activities including sailing, windsurfing and powerboating are developed, supported, and promoted for everyone to enjoy. Our affiliated Clubs and Centres offer an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming sense of belonging to everyone, irrespective of gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, race, or minority community and/or disability.
In collaboration with Sport Ireland, Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland, other key stakeholders, we support various projects and programmes to encourage people to enjoy the sports of sailing throughout our network of Clubs and Centres all over Ireland.
Women on the Water
Irish Sailing clubs are embracing Women on the Water (WOW), an initiative that encourages more women of all ages and abilities to discover the joy of sailing. Whether you’re completely new to the sport, returning after time ashore, or an experienced sailor seeking new challenges, WOW offers a welcoming way to get afloat.
Clubs across Ireland are running tailored programmes, from relaxed social sails and introductory sessions to coaching sessions and race training. The emphasis is on building confidence, developing skills, and most importantly, enjoying time on the water in a supportive, friendly atmosphere.
Women on the Water is about more than sailing, it’s about community. Participants often find new friendships, inspiring role models, and opportunities to volunteer or take on leadership roles within their clubs. By creating an environment where women feel included and valued, Irish sailing is broadening its horizons and strengthening its future.
If your club hasn’t run a WOW event yet, now is the perfect time to start. A few boats, a couple of hours, and plenty of encouragement can open the door for someone’s lifelong love of sailing. Let’s work together to ensure every woman has a place on the water.
Women in Sport Funding – Supporting Female Participation Across Irish Sailing
This year, 26 clubs received Women in Sport funding through Sport Ireland’s Dormant Accounts initiative, supporting projects under four key categories:
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Women in the Lead – Empowering women who sail, powerboat, or windsurf to step up as leaders. This category funds upskilling, training, and mentoring, helping women progress as instructors, coaches, race officials, and role models within their clubs.
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She Sails – Aimed at girls under 18, this project focuses on sustained engagement, ensuring young sailors have the support and opportunities to stay active and involved in Irish Sailing.
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Take the Helm – Initiatives under this heading build racing confidence, preparing and inspiring participants for Women at the Helm events in 2025 and beyond.
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Grassroots Support – Helping clubs create tailored programmes that encourage and grow female participation at every level, from first-time sailors to lifelong enthusiasts.
Through these four strands, Irish Sailing is building stronger pathways, boosting confidence, and ensuring women and girls have every opportunity to thrive both on and off the water.
Watersports Inclusion Games
The Watersports Inclusion Games is an award-winning, free, multi-watersport event welcoming people of all abilities and disabilities including physical, intellectual, sensory and learning differences and anyone who experiences barriers to mainstream sport.
Open to all ages, participants, along with family and friends, can try an exciting range of activities including sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, powerboating, dragon boating, snorkelling, windsurfing and more. No experience is necessary, and all activities, equipment and support are provided.
Organised by Irish Sailing in association with Canoeing Ireland, Diving Ireland, Spinal Injuries Ireland, and the Irish Wakeboarding and Waterski Federation, the Games showcase how watersports can truly be for everyone.
Since winning Project of the Year at the National Inclusion Awards (2018), the event has gone from strength to strength and now welcomes over 300 participants supported by 200 dedicated volunteers each year.
The Watersports Inclusion Games are about fun, friendship, and freedom on the water, proving that with the right opportunities, everyone can experience the thrill of watersports.
Event homeapge here: Watersports Inclusion Games
Sailability
Sailability Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes sailing for people with physical disabilities throughout the 32 counties of Ireland. Irish Sailing supports Sailability’s objectives of developing training, promoting sailing programmes and supporting regional and national events.
Our aims for inclusive sailing are:
• To provide the necessary support for people with disabilities to sail.
• Encourage sailing as an activity, mainly for pleasure, but also to support those who wish to develop their competitive potential.
• Train volunteers, sailors, instructors, family and friends to facilitate sailors with physical disabilities to enjoy our sport.
• Develop and foster team spirit between able bodied and those with disabilities, through leisure and competitive sailing.
Find Clubs with Inclusion programmes