As we close the sails on another remarkable year, we are filled with pride and gratitude for all that our sailing community has achieved together. Across the country, 2025 has been a standout year for equality, diversity, and inclusion in our clubs, a year defined by collaboration, compassion, and a shared belief that the water truly belongs to everyone.
Irish Sailing’s commitment remains at the heart of this journey:
“Opening the waters to all, where diversity is celebrated, equality is practiced, inclusion is embraced, and every sailor feels welcome and valued.”
This vision came alive in extraordinary ways throughout the year.
Huge congratulations to every club that championed inclusion in 2025. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication have made a real and lasting impact across sailability, disability inclusion, women on the water, and opportunities for sailors of all genders, ages, abilities, backgrounds, and communities. This year, 48 clubs stepped forward to apply for Sport Ireland–supported grants and brought inclusive initiatives and programmes to life. The results speak for themselves:
This incredible level of engagement has created a powerful foundation as we plan for 2026 and beyond. The passion and momentum from clubs nationwide show a community deeply committed to expanding opportunities and embracing inclusion at every level.
Of course, the pinnacle of the year was the unforgettable Watersports Inclusion Games held in July at Malahide Yacht Club. It was a weekend filled with belonging, joy, and magic, 300 volunteers coming together to welcome over 300 participants from every corner of Ireland. The atmosphere on and off the water was a model of what true inclusion looks like: connection, laughter, courage, and shared experience.
The Games were a powerful collaboration with Canoeing Ireland, Diving Ireland, Spinal Injuries Ireland, Sea Scouts Ireland, Sailing into Wellness, Dragonboats Ireland, and many others. What emerged was more than an event, it was a testament to what can happen when people and organisations unite behind a common purpose. Together, we created something extraordinary. Beyond the Games, three organisations, Safe haven Ireland, Sailing into Wellness and Sail Training Ireland, received Volunteer Supports funding from Irish Sailing and their programmes reached 669 participants this year. Their work has strengthened pathways into Watersports participation, offering transformative experiences to individuals and communities across Ireland.
As we turn toward 2026, we are filled with optimism. The conversations, decisions, and energy from this year have set the stage for even greater progress. To every volunteer, instructor, coach, club officer, partner organisation, participant, and supporter: thank you. Your work this year has changed lives, strengthened communities, and set new standards for inclusion across Irish sailing.