World Sailing strengthens Classification Framework as part of inclusion pathway

Para Classification Rules Workshop © World Sailing

World Sailing last week convened a focused group of International Classifiers in London for a dedicated Para Classification Rules Workshop, marking a key step in the continued development of Para Inclusive Sailing.

The workshop builds directly on the successful submission of World Sailing's International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Self-Assessment in November, and forms part of the organisation's ongoing commitment to strengthening its systems, governance, and credibility within the Paralympic Movement.

Bringing together members of the newly-formed Classification Sub-Committee; Helen McKenzie (Chair), Sarah Ross (Vice Chair), Dr Bernard Destrube, Dr Jürgen Schwittai, and Sue Parry, the workshop saw experts travelling from across the globe, including New Zealand, Australia, Germany, and France, to work collaboratively in person on this critical area of the sport.

Facilitated by World Sailing, the sessions were structured to ensure a clear and outcome-driven approach. Discussions centred on IPC Code alignment, eligibility frameworks, and the practical implementation of a consistent, transparent, and globally applicable classification system.

The importance of this work was further underlined by the presence of World Sailing Board Member and Vice President Dr Sophia Papamichalopoulos OLY, whose medical expertise and governance insight contributed to ensuring the system meets the highest international standards.

Dr Sophia Papamichalopoulos OLY, World Sailing Vice-President, said, "As a Board, Para Inclusive Sailing is one of our key priorities. This is a really crucial piece of work in our efforts to further develop and further grow our Para Inclusive Sailing community and Para Sailing as a sport, especially now that we have placed a bid to get back on the Paralympic stage. We really rely on the expertise and the experience of our classifiers to really make sure that we maintain integrity and also manage to grow the sport in a sustainable way."

Hannah Stodel PLY, World Sailing's Para Sailing Manager, added, "Classification is a very complex topic but also very important to get right and to understand all the types of impairments within the sport, ensuring we can include as many people in the sport as we can while developing it as a high-performance sport."

This work also enabled the next phase of global consultation, which will engage athletes, coaches, and Member National Authorities to ensure that key developments are shared openly and that feedback is captured at every stage. Building on previous classification webinars, this approach reflects World Sailing's commitment to an inclusive and collaborative process as the framework continues to evolve.

Classification remains fundamental to fair and credible Para Inclusive Sailing competition. The work being undertaken is not only critical to the delivery of upcoming events, including the World Sailing Inclusive Championships, but also to ensuring that sailing continues to demonstrate its value as a credible, well-governed, and supportive member of the Paralympic Movement.

World Sailing thanks and extends its sincere appreciation to the Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC) for being the accommodation partner for the workshop, and for its generous support throughout the week.