Sailing World Championships hailed by participants, onlookers

Two new Olympic classes and Para Sailing made their first appearance at the quadrennial event

Over 1,100 athletes competed in sailing's biggest championships for world titles and Olympic qualification over 10 days in The Netherlands over the weekend, at an event featuring the debut appearances of Formula Kite kiteboarding and iQFOiL windsurfing.

The two foiling events look to be the hits of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after making their debut.

The 2023 Allianz Sailing World Championships also saw Para Sailing integrated into the event for the first time, with four events across three classes.

"This was a Sailing World Championships which was both inspirational and historic – I challenge anyone to watch our Para Sailors or any of our Olympic disciplines and not be inspired to embrace a life on water," said Li Quanhai, president of World Sailing.

He added the inclusion of Para Sailing is part of the organization's commitment to making the sport more inclusive and welcoming to all.

"The Hague has a been fantastic host to sailing's biggest championships," Li said. "I want to thank the people of the city, the Royal Netherlands Water Sports Federation, the athletes and – most importantly – the hundreds of volunteers who gave their time."

World Sailing chief executive officer David Graham paid tribute to the athletes and volunteers.

"I want to say a huge thank-you to all the athletes and your coaching teams," Graham said. "The standards you set on and off the water embody the spirit of sailing, friendship, fair play and respect. You are fantastic ambassadors of our sport."