Inclusive sailing: Burnsco 2026 SKUD 18 International Match Race Challenge fuels push for sailing's return to Paralympic Games

Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour will again be in the international spotlight tomorrow as the Burnsco 2026 SKUD 18 International Match Race Challenge gets underway at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

Hosted by Sailability Auckland, the three-day regatta runs from 20 to 22 February, with racing scheduled daily from 10am to 5pm. The event follows immediately on the heels of the global SailGP circuit, bringing elite international and New Zealand sailors with disabilities onto the same waters recently carved up by the world’s fastest foiling catamarans.

While the racing promises high-intensity action, organisers say the stakes extend far beyond the finish line. The challenge forms part of a broader international push to see sailing reinstated in time for the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games, restoring the sport to the Paralympic programme after its previous tenure.

"Our goal is to create a premier event that showcases the incredible skill, resilience and competitive spirit of adaptive sailors," said Sailability Auckland's Tim Dempsey. “With the world’s media spotlight already on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour, we are seizing the opportunity to prove that sailing is a world-class, inclusive sport that belongs back on the Paralympic stage.”

The Burnsco 2026 SKUD 18 International Match Race Challenge starts tomorrow. Photos / Sailability Auckland 

At the centre of the competition is the SKUD 18, a former Paralympic class boat renowned for blending accessibility with performance. The high-performance, two-person keelboat is specifically designed to accommodate sailors across a wide range of physical abilities, using adaptable seating and control systems while maintaining the speed and tactical demands of elite racing.

The regatta will be sailed in a match-racing format, producing a series of head-to-head duels that reward split-second decision-making and precise boat handling. The format is expected to provide a compelling spectacle for spectators gathered along the Westhaven waterfront, as crews battle at close quarters in short, tactical contests.

The event has already attracted strong international interest alongside a formidable local fleet. Supported by naming sponsor Burnsco, the event brings together athletes, support crews and a committed volunteer team, reinforcing Auckland’s reputation as a global sailing hub while highlighting the depth of talent within the adaptive sailing community.

For Sailability Auckland, the regatta reflects years of work building inclusive opportunities on the water. Operating from Westhaven Marina, the organisation has long been a cornerstone of the local community, providing accessible sailing programmes that promote mobility, independence and self-confidence through achievement.

Members of the public are encouraged to come down to Westhaven Marina over the next three days to witness the racing and show their support for both the competitors and the campaign to return sailing to the Paralympic Games.