News
Para Inclusive Wing Development Series Heads to Townsville
Published Mon 03 Aug 2026
Australian Sailing's commitment to creating more inclusive opportunities on the water will continue this month as the Para Inclusive Wing Development Camp arrives in Townsville, marking the fourth and final stop of the national development series.
Following successful camps in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia, the Townsville camp will be the first to be hosted in a regional centre, further expanding opportunities for sailors and communities across Australia to engage with the emerging discipline of seated wingfoiling.
The camp reflects Australian Sailing's ongoing commitment to inclusive sailing and its support for World Sailing's campaign to see Para Sailing return to the Paralympic Games at 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.
Simon Bibby at Sorrento Para Wing Camp - Ollie SchwarzDesigned to introduce sailors to seated wingfoiling, the camp will focus on building participants' skills, confidence and experience in one of the sport's newest and most exciting disciplines. With Queensland preparing to host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the camp will also help raise the profile of inclusive wingfoiling while providing valuable development opportunities for athletes with aspirations of competing at the World Sailing Inclusion Championships later this year.
The camp is also about much more than sailor development. Alongside on-water training, it will strengthen local capability by developing coaches, volunteers and sailing clubs, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to deliver inclusive sailing opportunities into the future. By investing in people as well as participants, Australian Sailing is helping build sustainable pathways that make sailing more accessible for people of all abilities.
The camp will be led by Australian Sailing’s Para Coach, Grant Alderson, who is a gold medal winning Paralympic sailing coach and recently won Gold at the 2023 RS Venture Connect Worlds. He will be supported by Sarah Ross (Vice Chair of World Sailing’s Classification Sub-Committee) and Daniel Belcher (World Sailing Vice President) will also be on hand to re-affirm World Sailing’s commitment to the program.
Australian Sailing would like to thank Townsville Yacht Club, Townsville Sailing Club, Breakwater Marina, the many volunteers and the wider Townsville community for their support in hosting the camp. Their commitment plays a vital role in growing inclusive sailing and creating welcoming environments where everyone can get out on the water.
PHOTO: Ollie Schwarz
