SAILING HANNAH

As I reflect on my past year with World Sailing; my first year with World Sailing, I find myself confronting a mix of emotions—pride, frustration, and unwavering determination. When I left the Team I loved at Fieri to join World Sailing, I anticipated challenges, but the reality has been more brutal and more demanding than I could have imagined.

Joining World Sailing was a leap of faith driven by a passion as a sailor for inclusivity and a desire to make a tangible impact in the world of Para sailing. However, the transition was far from smooth. The magnitude of the task ahead became apparent quickly, and there were moments when I questioned my decision to leave Fieri, a place of comfort and familiarity.

I very quickly realised that I had my work cut out with not only the desire to see sailing reinstated to the Paralympic Games ahead of the 2032 edition, but also just managing the day to day running of Para Sailing. With very few processes in place and a legacy of self preservation amongst stakeholders, it has been a struggle and at times, it has felt like a fight. 

Of course there are many positives; the redevelopment of the Para Development Program and its transition to the Inclusive Development Program was a monumental task, and one that I am incredibly proud of. Inclusivity has always been at the heart of everything I do, but embedding this ethos into an existing structure required not only strategic planning but also a deep cultural shift. 

I put my heart and soul into the new World Sailing Para Inclusive strategy that was released and approved a few months ago, again a massive step in the right direction, and the realisation of a years worth of work. 

Throughout the year, I travelled all around the world, and I am grateful to have the privilege to do so; running courses and rebuilding a global community of Para Inclusive sailors. Each trip was a reminder of the diverse challenges faced by our sailors, but also of their resilience and passion. The new World Sailing Para Inclusive strategy remained my guide, and seeing it come to life has been one of my proudest achievements.

The community we’ve built is vibrant and growing, united by a shared commitment to inclusivity. Every course run and every sailor supported feels like a step forward, even when progress seems slow.

Despite these successes, the journey has not been without its darker moments; the amount of abuse and negativity I’ve received was unexpected and disheartening, and at times, there have been days when giving up seemed like the easiest option. But as you know, giving up is not in my nature.

I remind myself constantly that I am fighting for the sailors, for the community, and for the values I believe in. As a sailor myself, I understand the unique challenges and joys of the sport, and this personal connection fuels my resolve to keep pushing forward.

I am only one person at World Sailing dedicated to Para Inclusive sailing, and I am doing my best to keep pushing forward, to keep challenging. 

This year in particular hasn’t been the one I wanted or even needed, but it has taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to my mission and holding my values and beliefs at the heart of everything I do. 

To everyone who has supported me, challenged me, or even doubted me, I want to remind you that I am human. I am passionate, dedicated, and relentless in my pursuit of a more inclusive world of sailing.

As I look ahead, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose. The setbacks and struggles of this year have only strengthened my commitment to inclusivity. I will continue to fight for our sailors, for our community, and for the values that drive World Sailing’s Para Inclusive strategy.

Thank you for being part of this journey, and bearing with me as I try to share as much of this journey with you as I can. 

Happy Sailing, 

Hannah