IBSA Iberia’s Inclusive Sailing Academy is a concrete example of IBSA’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities through sport. Developed in collaboration with the Escola de Vela Adaptada de Sitges (Barcelona), the academy is part of IBSA’s international project “Sailing into the Future. Together”, a global platform that uses sailing as a tool for social integration, personal development, and greater visibility for people with disabilities.
IBSA Iberia Inclusive Sailing Academy
The first edition: building confidence and independence (2024)
The first edition of the Academy took place in 2024 and enabled nine children and young people with different disabilities to be introduced to adaptive sailing lessons.
Over five months, they participated in sailing lessons, a summer camp, and educational sessions focused not only on technical sailing skills, but also on developing competencies such as orientation, weather awareness, autonomy, and self-confidence.
According to the Escola de Vela Adaptada management, one of the greatest achievements was helping participants realize that they could sail independently, overcoming barriers that many had previously considered impossible.
The second edition: growth, continuity and the first internal regatta (2025)
In 2025, the second edition consolidated the project and showed clear progress. Ten children and young people took part in the program, and one particularly significant fact was that eight of them returned from the previous year, demonstrating the educational and motivational value of the initiative. From May to October, they attended weekly sessions where they learned sailing techniques, boat preparation, knowledge of the marine environment, and nautical terminology. In August, they also joined an intensive two-week summer camp that further strengthened their independence on the water. The season concluded with their first regatta, a milestone that symbolized not only sporting progress, but also the participants’ personal and social growth.
Third edition: expanding reach and deepening commitment (2026)
In 2026, IBSA Iberia renewed its commitment by signing a third agreement to continue the Adaptive Sailing Academy for another reason. This third edition builds on the project’s growing success, with nearly all participants from previous seasons returning to the program, a testament to the initiative’s meaningful impact on their lives and development.
Part of a global strategy: “Sailing into the future. Together”
This local project is part of a much broader international strategy. Through “Sailing into the Future. Together”, IBSA promotes inclusive sailing programs in countries such as Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, and the United States, working in partnership with sailing clubs, federations, and specialized associations.
What began locally extends internationally. IBSA promotes similar programs across Italy, Switzerland, France, and the United States through partnerships with sailing federations and specialized associations. A cornerstone initiative has been the donation of Hansa 303 adapted boats – engineered specifically for accessibility. In Spain, IBSA supplied two vessels to Sitges, ensuring the project’s long-term viability.
Beyond sport: breaking barriers and creating social impact
The global objective is not only to provide access to sport, but also to break down physical, social, and cultural barriers. Sailing becomes a space of equality, where each person can develop their abilities, gain independence, and actively participate in social and sporting life. This vision has received international recognition: in 2025, the project “Sailing into the Future. Together” won The Prize award in the category of “Diversity, Inclusion & Sustainability” for its ability to generate tangible and sustainable social impact.
A long-term commitment to inclusion
Ultimately, IBSA Iberia’s Inclusive Sailing Academy represents the closest and most human dimension of a global project. From Sitges to Newport, through Italy, Switzerland, and France, IBSA demonstrates that inclusion should not be seen as a one-time action, but as a long-term and structural commitment. Inclusive sailing does not only teach people how to sail - it also teaches them how to grow, connect, and help build a more accessible society for everyone.