Setting Sail Towards Inclusivity: A New Resource for Building an Inclusive Sailing Club from INclusion INcorporated

We are thrilled to announce a new resource, Building an Inclusive Sailing Club, developed in partnership with INclusion INcorporated that can help sailing clubs and facilities chart a course towards greater inclusivity and accessibility for all.  This guide, available for download now ((under Sail Canada Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Program Resources), is designed to assist Sail Canada members in fostering a welcoming environment that embraces diversity and ensures that the joy of sailing is shared by everyone, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or physical ability. Creating an inclusive sailing club is not just a noble endeavor but a necessary one. The sport of sailing, with its rich traditions and vibrant community, has historically been inaccessible to many due to various barriers. By committing to inclusivity, sailing clubs can dismantle these barriers, creating a more diverse and dynamic community that reflects the world around us.

Why does Inclusivity Matter?

Inclusivity within sailing clubs is essential for several reasons:
  1. Diverse Perspectives: An inclusive environment allows for many perspectives, enriching the experience for all members. Learning from others’ unique viewpoints can enhance personal growth and make the sailing experience more fulfilling.
  2. Accessibility: Ensuring that sailing is accessible to individuals from all backgrounds not only broadens the reach of the sport but also fosters a community spirit where everyone feels valued and welcomed.
  3. Breaking Down Barriers: Historically, sailing has been seen as an exclusive sport. By actively working towards inclusivity, clubs can break down these long-standing barriers, making sailing a viable and enjoyable option for everyone.
  4. Community Growth: An inclusive club can attract a wider range of members, leading to a more vibrant and dynamic community. This can also have positive impacts on membership numbers and club sustainability.

Building an Inclusive Sailing Club: Plotting the Course

This new resource is a comprehensive guide that provides sailing clubs with practical steps and strategies to become more inclusive. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:
  • Understanding Diversity and Inclusion: Starting by understanding what diversity and inclusion are, how they differ, and why being more diverse benefits everyone!
  • Self-Assessment for Evaluating Inclusivity: A self-assessment checklist for evaluating inclusivity in your sailing club, including looking at club operations, policies and procedures, and current culture.
  • Educate Yourself: Practical ideas on how to educate staff and volunteers on cultural sensitivity and how you can help create welcoming environments for all. 
  • Visual Representation: Understanding how visual representation matters, and how this plays a crucial role in fostering inclusivity within your sailing club. 
  • Member Engagement: Developing strategies for establishing mentorship and buddy systems and encouraging existing members to advocate solutions to make sailing more accessible for all. 
  • Attain Feedback and Track Progress: Overview on why establishing metrics for tracking progress towards inclusivity goals not only ensures accountability but helps celebrate successes in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment within your sailing club. 
Inclusivity is not a destination but an ongoing journey, and by embracing this new resource, sailing clubs can chart a course towards greater inclusivity, ensuring that the sport we love is open and accessible to everyone.  For more information about INclusion INcorporated, please visit www.inclusionincorporated.com – stay tuned for more inclusion resources from Sail Canada and the INclusion INcorporated Team! **DOWNLOAD PDF to Sail Canada website