Caribbean Para Inclusive Development Programme and Inclusive Championships in Antigua - Preview

RS Venture Connect SCS in the Caribbean Inclusive Development Programme © National Sailing Academy

The Caribbean is set to host its first-ever Caribbean Inclusive Sailing Championship from June 24 to 27. This exciting event is part of the Inclusive Development Programme taking place from June 21 at the National Sailing Academy, Antigua.

The week-long event, four days of training followed by a three day regatta, underscores the region's commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and the development of opportunities within the sport for individuals of all abilities.

Twenty coaches, program managers and sailors will descend on the Academy from around the Caribbean & South America including Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Chile, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Kitts & Nevis & the British Virgin Islands. Four coaches from the National Sailing Academy and Antigua Yacht Club will take part in the programme.

The championship has also been designated the RS Venture Connect Caribbean Championship hi-lighting the Academy's reputation as a leading sailing and development center in the Caribbean and reinforcing its dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all participants.

The RS Venture Connect levels the playing field by combining a highly stable, self-righting keelboat platform with an innovative, "plug-and-play" adaptive Seated Control System (SCS). This modularity allows sailors with a wide spectrum of physical, intellectual, and sensory impairments to compete equally alongside able-bodied sailors based entirely on tactical knowledge and skill.

This initiative aims to position the Caribbean as a hub for para-inclusive sailing development, while simultaneously offering meaningful racing and participation opportunities for sailors, coaches, and programs.

Hannah Stoddel, lead coach for the programme and Head of Parasailing at World Sailing, said: "We are thrilled that this program is taking shape, and I look forward to collaborating with coaches across the region to enhance their coaching skills and assist sailors in their development. Our ultimate vision is to have parasailing recognized as a sport in the Paralympics, and we are making significant strides toward this goal with numerous nations worldwide.

Bob Bailey, founder of Sailability, also expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event. "The Sailability program has served our community for over 11 years, providing weekly relief and therapy primarily for individuals with intellectual challenges. This new program focuses on allowing people with physical disabilities to access and participate in competitive sailing," he stated.

"Some of the sailors attending are wheelchair-bound or living with other challenges such as hearing impairments and will compete in the regatta. I hope that by showcasing their sailing and sporting abilities throughout the week, they can inspire others in our community to try sailing, whether for independence on the water or at a competitive level. Ultimately we want to see Team Antigua in the Paralympics."