World Sailing Conference: A Global Conversation on Inclusion and Parasailing
This week, the World Sailing Conference took place in Dun Laoghaire — a wonderful opportunity to hear about the future of sailing across the globe and to showcase the best of Irish sailing on the international stage.
A key focus of the week was Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), with delegates from all over the world gathering to discuss how to make our sport more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Topics ranged from achieving a better gender balance among race officials to the ongoing global campaign to bring sailing back into the Paralympic Games.
Irish Sailing were proud to be part of these important conversations and to share the progress being made at home, supported by the incredible work happening every day in clubs across the country. A highlight of the week was World Sailing’s invitation to Irish Sailing to present a report on the Watersports Inclusion Games. The initiative received an overwhelmingly positive response from delegates, including one from Chile who expressed an interest in developing a similar event in their own country. The heart-warming spirit and sense of community that define the Games truly resonated with everyone in attendance.
A major point of discussion throughout the week was the ongoing bid to reinstate sailing in the Paralympics. World Sailing will be presenting their case to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in December, and we remain hopeful for a positive outcome. A big thank you to everyone who responded to World Sailing’s call for data on parasailing activity as this valuable information will help strengthen the submission.
The Magenta Project, which promotes gender equity and diversity within the sailing community, was also featured during the conference. Once again, thank you to everyone who took part in their recent survey and the organisers expressed sincere appreciation for Ireland’s strong input and engagement.
It has been an inspiring week in Dun Laoghaire, full of collaboration, optimism, and shared passion for making sailing a truly inclusive sport for all.