Inclusive Classes Regatta – Update November 2023

An Inclusive Classes Regatta will be conducted by Middle Harbour Yacht Club from March 29 to April 1 (Easter weekend) 2024.  Online entry is now open and the Notice of Race has just been updated with a change that affects sailors with intellectual impairment.

New Classification Opportunity for Athletes with Intellectual Impairment

In response to feedback from competitors at the inaugural Para Sailing International Championships for Athletes with Intellectual Impairment at Southport Yacht Club last November, Australian Sailing have approved a simplified method of para classifications for this athlete group.

Australian Sailing Provisional AWII Classification is a sport-based classification using the same framework as other para sailors and is being introduced ahead of the NSW Para Sailing Championships.  It will then apply for the 2024 Australian Para Sailing Championships at Sail Melbourne in December.

Sailors with intellectual impairment, including those who are not currently included on the Virtus Master List or a Registered Special Olympics Athlete, can apply for AWII classification by emailing their contact details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and then undertaking a phone or online interview with the Australian Sailing Consultant Psychologist.  There is no cost to AWII classification and it is not a requirement to be entered in any event, although it is important to start the application well in advance of any relevant regatta.

This process has been developed with a view to having it incorporated within the World Sailing Rules of Para Classification.  It would not have been possible without the support of International Para Classifiers Sarah Ross and Stephen Wilson and Australian Sailing Consultant Psychologist Darren Eger.

About the Inclusive Classes Regatta

MHYC’s Inclusive Classes Regatta program includes arrival, training and classification on the Friday followed by three races each day on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  It is planned to hold an Inclusive Sailing Forum on the Sunday evening.

Para Classification for athletes with physical impairments will be available at the venue on Friday 29 March.  You can register for classification by emailing a request and providing contact details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Racing will be on Middle Harbour in the vicinity of Balmoral.  Invited classes are Hansa 303 (one person & two person), Hansa Liberty & International 2.4mR.

The regatta will comprise the 2.4mR NSW Championship and Hansa Class NSW Championships for 2024.  In addition, the regatta will be the inaugural NSW Para Sailing Championships.  Results of eligible para sailors will be extracted from the open fleet results.  

A limited number of Hansa charter boats will be available for competitors travelling from interstate or outside the Sydney Metro area.  To register your interest for a charter boat, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at the earliest opportunity.

All regatta information will be published on the event webpage.