SAILING HANNAH

I know it’s been a while since my last update, but it’s been a busy time for me in the past few weeks… 

The RS Venture Connect World Championships at Rutland Sailing Club was the start of what can only be described as silly season in world of Para Inclusive sailing… Time to dig in and give it all I have until the end of the year. 

For the first time ever, we officially ran the World Championships in a truly inclusive format; bringing together Para and inclusive sailors to compete side by side. This wasn’t just another sailing competition; it was a game-changing moment for the sport—completely aligned with World Sailing’s new Para Inclusive Strategy and a real showcase of what’s possible when we break down barriers.

Putting together an event of this scale and significance wasn’t easy, but it was worth every ounce of effort, and I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible World Sailing team that made it all possible.

First, a huge shoutout to Rebecca, who held everything together behind the scenes. Without her, the logistical juggling and coordination would have been overwhelming. She was the glue that kept the entire event running smoothly from day one, and without her, I wouldn’t have made it through the event. 

Obi, our technical mastermind launched himself headfirst into Para Inclusive sailing and ensured everything on the dockside went off without a hitch, supporting measurement, changeovers and countless other parts of the event. 

Cat and her Scholarship candidates provided exceptional support on the pontoons, helping sailors transition in and out of the water. Their dedication and care made a huge difference in ensuring every competitor felt supported and ready to race, and a real powerful message to the sailors of Inclusivity and most importantly awareness of just what is possible. 

I’m also incredibly grateful to Rutland Sailing Club for hosting the championships. Their beautiful venue and fantastic facilities offered the perfect setting for such a landmark event, despite the challenges that the weather tried to throw at us.

Special thanks go to the volunteers from Rutland Sailability, who worked tirelessly to assist with hoisting sailors and providing support across the board. Their effort, enthusiasm, and expertise helped create an environment where everyone could focus on the thrill of competition, knowing they were in safe hands.

Finally… Dan and RS. I know it was a struggle and the support wasn’t quite what we wanted, but we made it work, and the event did not suffer. I’m incredibly grateful to Dan in particular as he totally gets and supports my vision for the future of Para inclusive sailing and he brings RS’s support to the table to keeps us all moving in the same direction.

Watching sailors from different backgrounds and abilities race side by side was inspiring and embodied the essence of what World Sailing’s Para Inclusive Strategy aims to achieve. This format is the future of inclusive sailing, and I’m beyond proud to have been part of a championship that showcased just how far we’ve come—and how much further we can go.

I won’t sugarcoat it: the event was tricky and exhausting. I found myself wearing many hats, from managing logistics, acting as a medic, to supporting sailors, and everything in between. But despite the long hours and challenges, we pulled it off, and it feels incredible to have done so.

A huge congratulations to the new World Champions in both the Para and inclusive classes! Your dedication, skill, and sportsmanship were awesome to watch, and you’ve set the bar high for future competitions.

This championship has been a real eye-opener for the sport, showing us all what’s possible when we embrace inclusivity and work incredibly hard together toward a shared goal. I’m excited for the future of Para and inclusive sailing—and after this event, I’m more determined than ever to keep pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together.

Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this event such a success. 

We couldn’t have done it without you. 

Stay tuned for more updates, and of course,

Happy sailing!