Portimão confirmed to host the 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships

Portimão confirmed to host the 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships © World Sailing

World Sailing is pleased to confirm that Portimão will host the 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships.

The 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships will take place from 1-11 October 2026, incorporating both the main championship racing and the Inclusive Development Programme (IDP), and hope to welcome over 250 competitors from more than 40 nations across a wide range of Para and Inclusive sailing classes.

Building on the momentum and impact of the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Oman, the Portimão edition will deliver high-performance racing alongside a vibrant, accessible on-shore programme.

The event is designed not only as a world-class championship, but as a platform to celebrate inclusion, accelerate development pathways, and demonstrate what Para Inclusive Sailing can achieve when delivered at scale.

The successful bid, led by Vela Solidária, highlighted Portimão's strong track record in delivering major international events, including the Hansa World Championships, and its ability to meet the complex demands of Para Inclusive competition.

Key strengths include fully accessible pontoons and lifting infrastructure tested at scale, suitable accommodation and transport networks, and close collaboration with local authorities, medical services, and academic partners to support safety, sustainability, and community engagement.

As a core pillar of World Sailing's Para Inclusive Strategy 2024-2029, the World Sailing Inclusion Championships will again integrate an Inclusive Development Programme (IDP), running alongside the event.

The IDP will provide targeted opportunities for sailors, coaches, and support staff from emerging nations to access training, expertise, and clear pathways into international competition.

Hannah Stodel, World Sailing's Para Sailing Manager, said: "The World Sailing Inclusion Championships are about more than medals. They are about creating opportunity, building pathways, and proving that high-performance sport and inclusion go hand in hand. Portimão gives us the environment, expertise, and ambition to take this event to the next level. With the contract now signed and the dates confirmed, we're excited to start working with our partners to deliver something truly special in 2026."

Luís Brito, Vela Solidária president, said: "Hosting the World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Portimão is the result of a 15-year journey that has transformed the vision and strategy for sailing for all.

"The challenge is enormous, and the desire to welcome sailors from all over the world and provide them with a unique experience is what motivates and fills Vela Solidária, the Municipality of Portimão, the Portuguese Sailing Federation and the Portuguese State with pride and deep commitment to World Sailing in organising this world championship, which we intend to become a benchmark for major inclusive sailing events."

Álvaro Bila the Mayor of Portimão City said: "We are deeply honoured that Portimão has been selected to host the 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships. As a sea-facing city, sport is a central pillar of our community and identity — a commitment recognised when Portimão was named European City of Sport in 2019.

"Over the years, we have proudly welcomed world and European-level competitions, and we believe this experience, combined with our strong culture of inclusion, makes Portimão a natural home for this Championship.

"This event is only possible thanks to highly qualified partners such as World Sailing and Vela Solidária, whose ambition and expertise continually challenge us to do better. It is with great pride and a strong sense of responsibility that we look forward to welcoming the sailing community from around the world to Portimão in 2026."

Further event details, including classes, entry quotas and entry information, will be released in due course.