Para Inclusive Wing Development Series Heads to Townsville

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.

 

Designed 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.

 

"It's fantastic to see Australian Sailing continuing to invest in the future of Para Inclusive WingFoiling. This camp is about far more than time on the water - it's about bringing together athletes, coaches, technology partners and expertise to help shape the next chapter of our sport," added Hannah Stodel, World Sailing's Para World Sailing Manager.

"As Australia builds towards Brisbane 2032, initiatives like this demonstrate the power of collaboration and innovation. We're incredibly grateful to Australian Sailing and FoilDrive for creating an environment where athletes can develop alongside coaches, share knowledge and explore new opportunities together.

"What excites me most is the growing enthusiasm around seated WingFoiling. Every new rider, every coach and every development camp helps build the foundations for the future. By investing in people, embracing technology and creating opportunities to learn, we're strengthening pathways for athletes and continuing to grow a truly global Para Inclusive WingFoiling community."

 

 

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