Racing is set to start tonight at the World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Oman, with Australia to be represented in two classes after the conclusion of the recent Australian Para Sailing Championships.

The Australian Para Sailing Championships were contested in the 2.4mR, Hansa Liberty, Hansa 303 Single-Handed and Hansa 303 Double-Handed classes, delivering tight racing across a full range of conditions at Royal Brighton Yacht Club and Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club last weekend. The competition highlighted both the depth of Australia’s Para fleet and the strength of its emerging talent.

Official results for the Australian Para Sailing Championships:

• 2.4mR Class results - View results here
• Hansa Liberty Para results - View results here
• Hansa 303 one person results - View results here
• Hansa 303 two person results – View results here 

The 2.4mR fleet formed part of the Australian Para Sailing Championships held at Sail Melbourne 2025, with two Para sailors - Neil Patterson and Peter Coleman - lining up against a mixed fleet of competitors. Patterson went on to claim the overall win, while Coleman delivered a strong performance to finish fourth in the fleet. Their presence elevated the depth of competition and provided valuable continuity between the national Para titles and one of Australia’s premier Olympic-class regattas.

  
2.4mR Class at Sail Melbourne | Image credit: Down Under Sail

In Perth, the Australian Para Sailing Championships continued with racing in the Hansa Liberty, Hansa 303 Single-Handed and Hansa 303 Double-Handed classes at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club as part of the 2025 International Classes Regatta. These fleets formed the Hansa divisions of the national Para titles, with results from the event contributing directly to national rankings and the confirmation of Australia’s international selections.

Following the completion of all championship racing, two Australian teams have now been confirmed for the World Sailing Inclusion Championships. Australia will be represented by the Visually Impaired team, alongside a Para-Inclusive Two-Person Keelboat crew skippered by 2025 Australian Sailing Para Sailor of the Year, Chris Symonds. Both teams have demonstrated strong domestic form throughout the season and reflect the continued growth of inclusive sailing across the country.

Australia’s two representative teams are:

• Visually Impaired Team – Kylie Forth (Skipper), Erin McGlew, Kiara Jarco and Todd Back
• Para-Inclusive Two-Person Keelboat Team – Chris Symonds (Skipper) and Manuela Klinger

With momentum building from a full season of racing and the national titles now finalised, Australia’s representatives will look to carry their experience onto the world stage in Oman. The inaugural Inclusion Championships present a significant opportunity for the nation’s Para and inclusive sailors, and Australia’s teams will head overseas ready to challenge the international fleet.