Australian Sailing continued to strengthen its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion throughout 2025, with a focus on participation, capability building and long-term cultural change across the sport. Meaningful progress was made in supporting women and girls, all-abilities sailing, LGBTQ+ inclusion and First Nations engagement, with impact felt at club, state and national levels. 

Support for women and girls in sailing expanded significantly during the year. Through the Sail Our Way program, 55 clubs and class associations were awarded funding to deliver participation programs, coaching and events for women and girls, while 26 clubs committed to developing participation programs and upskilling women coaches and instructors. Engagement remained strong nationally and internationally, with more than 250 people tuning in to the SheSails International Conference and over 200 women participating in SheSails events and networking opportunities across the country. System-level change continued with the approval of the Equitable Access Action Plan 2025–2028, and over 25 clubs expressing interest in signing a Women in Sailing Charter, along with increased representation of women across officiating, coaching and instruction pathways. 

LGBTQ+ inclusion remained a key area of focus, with Australian Sailing achieving Bronze status in the Pride in Sport Index, the highest-ranked sport nationally at this level in 2025. Education and awareness were prioritised, with 87 instructors completing training in inclusive language and allyship and 30 participants engaging in a regional Proud 2 Play workshop. Visibility and leadership were reinforced through Pride Month and Wear It Purple Day activities, CEO representation at the Pride in Sport Summit, and marketing support for the first Pride Regatta held in Sydney Harbour held at RANSA.  

All-abilities sailing also saw important advances. Australian Sailing delivered the National Para Forum across two locations for the first time from Sail Melbourne at Royal Brighton Yacht Club in Victoria and linking up with the Australian Para National Championship at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club in Western Australia, where 30 boats competed, 40 per cent of whom were women. Para Wing Foil, Hansa and Liberty coaching camps were held in the lead up to the championships. Capability building remained central, with sailing instructors and Discover Sailing Centre Principals engaging in autism-inclusive training and new inclusion e-learning modules launched on the Australian Sailing Learning Management System. 

Progress was also made in strengthening relationships with First Nations communities. Australian Sailing became a member of Reconciliation Australia, acknowledged NAIDOC Week nationally, and progressed governance and accountability through the launch of an Expression of Interest for a Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group. 

Together, these outcomes reflect Australian Sailing’s continued focus on building a sport where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to participate and thrive.  

The accompanying infographic provides a snapshot of the reach and impact of DEI action undertaken throughout 2025.