The 2019 Australian Para Sailing Championships are being held in conjunction with an Inclusive Classes Regatta at Queensland’s Southport Yacht Club from August 2-4.

Open fleet racing in the 2.4mR, Hansa 303 and SKUD 18 classes will be conducted over three days, with the scores of teams which include eligible para sailors extracted to decide the Para Sailing Championship winners.  

“Southport Yacht Club look forward to welcoming Australia’s best para sailors for this three day regatta on the Gold Coast,” said Commodore Ray McMahon.

It is expected that current Australian Para Sailing Champions Neil Patterson VIC (2.4), Chris Symonds TAS (Hansa 303 1-person), Bradley & Colin Alderton NSW (Hansa 303 2-person) and Ross Manning & Max Quan QLD (SKUD 18) will be in Southport in August to defend their 2018 titles.

The regatta will be held soon after sailors return from the Para Sailing World Championships in Puerto Sherry, Spain.   Five Australians will be competing in the Hansa 303 divisions amongst 100 athletes from 28 nations.

A coaching clinic for para athletes who register their interest in the program will be run by Grant Alderson and Mike Darby on July 31 and August 1. To register your interest in the coaching program, email parasailing@sailing.org.au.   

“Despite the disappointment of sailing no longer being a Paralympic sport, there remains a variety of competitive pathways for sailors with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities with World Championships held in a number of disciplines,” said Australian Sailing’s Para Sailing Coordinator, David Staley.

“Australian Sailing is pleased to be sanctioning annual Para Sailing Championships as part of this competition pathway and is delighted that Southport Yacht Club has offered to host the 2019 event,” he said.

The Southport Yacht Club event webpage provides access to Notices of Race and Online Entry.  Further information will progressively be added as the event draws closer.