There was a breakthrough moment at Australian Sailing’s Para Inclusive Wing Development Camp in Townsville last weekend when para sailor Simon Bibby took flight, getting up and foiling for the first time.

The four-day camp was held in collaboration with Townsville Sailing Club, Townsville Yacht Club and the Breakwater Marina, and formed part of national development series designed by Australian Sailing to support World Sailing’s efforts to see sailing return to the Paralympic Games at Brisbane 2032.

It included sailors, coaches, volunteers and support personnel from all over Australia, with all sailors making significant gains across the camp. Coaches were cheering from the support boats and the shore as sailors achieved new milestones and pushed the boundaries of what was possible in sailing.

Taking flight

The Townsville camp was the fourth development camp in the program, with sailors continuing to refine their skills, seating systems and equipment setups after similarly successful camps in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.

The growth of the sailors in Townsville was supported by Foil Drive, who provided equipment and the time of staff member Josh Ku, who brought valuable technical knowledge and hands-on support to the sailors, and Australian Sailing coaches including Grant Alderson, Dante Olivieri and Mitch Pearson.

Foil Drive is electric assist system that attaches to a hydrofoil, using a battery-powered motor to assist sailors get up and riding before switching to pure foiling. Having access to different equipment combinations and Foil Drive technology allowed the team to progress quickly and explore what was possible.

Australian Sailing sincerely thanks Foil Drive and Josh for their support and contribution to the camp.

Building the future

Wing Foiling is an exciting and emerging discipline, combining a board, foil and handheld wing. The seated format creates potential new opportunities and greater inclusion in sailing for people to learn, practise and compete.

The camp was about more than just developing sailors. Experienced coaches worked alongside local volunteers, building the coaching and support capability needed to grow the discipline into the future.

Part of that future will hopefully feature sailing’s return to the Paralympic Games from Brisbane 2032. As international momentum continues to build, Australian Sailing remains committed to developing athletes, coaches and pathways that will help shape the future of Para Sailing in Australia.

Just as importantly, the camp developed a strong sense of community. Sailors, coaches and volunteers encouraged one another, celebrated each other’s progress and created an environment where everyone felt supported to learn and challenge themselves.

Thank you

Australian Sailing would like to thank Townsville Sailing Club, Townsville Yacht Club and Breakwater Marina for their support in hosting the camp, as well as the many volunteers including the Coaches, Sarah Ross and media boat driver Paul who contributed their time and expertise.

We thank and congratulate the sailors involved, including Thisura Balasuriya, Jayne Boardman, Simon Bibby, Yuksel Ceper, Andrew Jamieson and Duncan MacGregor

The progress in Townsville has created genuine excitement from all who joined about what could be possible for seated wing foiling and para-inclusive sailing.

There is still plenty to learn and develop, but Townsville has shown that flight is possible.