PORTIMÃO, PORTUGAL — Saint Vincent and the Grenadines proudly marked a historic milestone this month as visually impaired sailor Lorna Bacchus, crewed by Scarlett Hadley, represented the nation for the first time at the World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Portimão, Portugal.
The World Sailing Inclusion Championships is a flagship international event designed to bring together athletes of all abilities to compete on a level playing field. Emphasizing skill, teamwork, and the unifying power of sport, the championships showcase how sailing can be fully inclusive and inspiring through intensive training, racing, and community engagement.
Prior to the regatta, Bacchus and Hadley were invited to join the World Sailing Inclusion Development Programme. The program provided three days of intensive race training, focusing on understanding tides and wind shifts, refining starting techniques, and improving boat speed and sail trim in unfamiliar boats.
These preparatory sessions equipped the duo for six days of highly competitive racing. The Vincentian team faced light winds and strong tidal currents that rigorously tested their tactical awareness, resilience, and teamwork. Demonstrating steady improvement in their communication, boat handling, and decision‑making, the team saved their best for last—achieving a top-10 finish in the final race and successfully meeting their goal of improving every day.
‘As a visually impaired sailor, this championship was both challenging and empowering’, said Lorna Bacchus. ‘Every race taught us something new, and I am proud to represent SVG on this world stage’.
Crew mate Scarlett Hadley added, ‘The environment was incredibly supportive. We grew as sailors and as teammates, and we hope our journey inspires others back home’.
SVG Sailing Association President Jenny Trumble remarked on the significance of the achievement: ‘Lorna and Scarlett’s participation marks a historic milestone for Vincentian sailing. Their resilience and progress embody our vision of inclusivity and growth, and we are proud to see SVG represented at this global championship’.