Australian Para wingfoiler Simon Bibby has wrapped up a memorable campaign at the 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Portimão, Portugal, finishing sixth overall in the Inclusive Wingfoil – Open Seated division.

Held from 4–10 October, the championships brought together a record 222 athletes from 40 nations, showcasing the growing strength and diversity of inclusive sailing.

As Australia's sole representative at the event, Bibby was among the athletes taking part in a significant milestone for the sport, with seated wingfoiling featuring on the championship programme for the first time as a demonstration event.

Reflecting on the experience, Bibby described representing Australia on the international stage as a surreal moment.

"It was surreal. I couldn't quite believe where I was. Being the only Australian made it even more special," he said.

"Getting up on stage at the opening ceremony was an emotional moment. Being the first competitor called up was an incredible feeling.”

Competing against an international field, Bibby steadily improved throughout the championships, overcoming challenging conditions and adapting his equipment along the way.

After a difficult start to the competition, Bibby went on to deliver a series of strong performances, including two fourth-place finishes and a second-place finish in Race 10.

As one of just two Para-classified athletes in the division, alongside France's Guillaume Colin, Bibby was part of an important milestone in the development of inclusive wingfoiling.

Having discovered seated wingfoiling as part of his recovery journey, the event marked another significant step in Bibby's progression, providing an opportunity to compete on the international stage.

Beyond the racing, Bibby said the connections formed with fellow athletes, volunteers and supporters were among the most rewarding parts of the experience.

"It's a great group of people from all around the world, all sharing the same passion for wind and water," he said.

He also reflected on the camaraderie among competitors, with athletes supporting one another both on and off the water.

"Being part of other people's journeys and helping each other out is what makes it really special," he reflected.

The championships marked an exciting step forward for inclusive wingfoiling, with Bibby optimistic about its growing popularity in Australia.

"The future looks bright. We've already got five people in Australia who are close to competing," he said.

He also emphasised the importance of international collaboration, with the event providing an opportunity for athletes to share knowledge, learn from one another and build connections that will help grow participation.

Australian Sailing remains committed to supporting the reinstatement of Para sailing at the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games, recognising the importance of events like these in strengthening inclusive pathways and growing the sport.

Looking ahead to the 2027 World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Gdynia, Poland, Bibby is excited to see how the discipline continues to develop.

He returns to Australia with valuable experience and renewed motivation to help grow Para wingfoiling and encourage more people with disability to discover the sport.

View Simon Bibby’s full results: 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships manage2sail

Words by Amelia Smith | Australian Sailing