Jamaican para sailor Andre Daley etched his name in the history books by winning the inaugural World Sailing Caribbean Inclusive Sailing Championship in Antigua and Barbuda, becoming both the first holder of the Caribbean title and the first para sailor in Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA) history.

Competing against 23 sailors and coaches from 10 countries, Daley and his coach Emma Paul dominated the three-day event — a remarkable feat given it was his very first time competing in para sailing. Daley, a former accomplished diver, transitioned to the sport after suffering decompression sickness during a diving accident, a condition caused by ascending too quickly from deep water.

JPA President Christopher Samuda praised Daley’s achievement as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Jamaica’s para-athletes, reaffirming the association’s commitment to supporting talent across sporting disciplines.

With his appetite whetted, Daley is now targeting the World Championships in Portugal in October, describing himself as “navigating the waters and taming the wind” in pursuit of further glory.

World Sailing’s para sailing manager Hannah Stodel hailed the inaugural championship as a success, celebrating not just the competition but the sense of community and togetherness it fostered among participants — a reminder, she said, that in para sailing “the possibilities really are limitless.”

SOURCE: The Jamaica Gleaner