Post by : Maya Rahman

Oman is set to welcome the 2025 World Sailing Inclusion Championships, an international event celebrating sailing for all abilities. Spanning five days, the championships will host four recognized boat classes and an Inclusive Development Programme (IDP), curated by World Sailing, aimed at enhancing the skills of coaches, sailors, and race officials, while helping nations build inclusive and para sailing frameworks.

Scheduled from 30 November to 2 December, the IDP will engage participants from various continents through workshops, training, and knowledge-sharing sessions. This initiative symbolizes the partnership between World Sailing and Oman Sail to elevate technical skills and advocate for inclusive sailing globally.

Feras Asqul, the Project Manager at Oman Sail and Head of Operations and Logistics for the event, indicated that preparations are on track, nearing completion. He mentioned that all facilities have been optimized, from upgrading the marina to providing boats for athletes and coaches, and ensuring accessibility for athletes with different disabilities.

“Our aim is to ensure a safe training and racing environment compliant with international para sailing standards,” stated Feras. “Hosting the first edition of this championship is both a significant responsibility and a chance to demonstrate Oman’s organizational prowess. We are collaborating with all partners to create a world-class event that reflects its global importance.”

The competition will showcase four boat classes: Hansa 303 (one-person), ILCA 6, RS Venture Connect, and a Far East boat tailored for visually impaired sailors. Seven sailors from Oman Sail’s SailFree programme, in partnership with bp Oman and the Oman Paralympic Association, will represent Oman. Competing in the RS Venture event are teams Hassan Al Lawati & Zaher Al Atbi, and Adel Al Siyabi & Al Ghaliya Al Jabri against 28 other teams. In the One-Person Inclusive category with Hansa 303 boats, Omani sailors Ali Al Ghusaini, Sultan Al Wahaibi, and Malik Al Qurtubi will join 35 competitors worldwide.

The championships will also see the introduction of several nations in inclusive sailing, showcasing the sport's global expansion. Participants from Trinidad & Tobago, India, Saudi Arabia, and Korea will compete in the One-Person Inclusive category, while crews from Iraq, Chinese Taipei, and Uruguay will join the Two-Person Hansa 303 event.

An official opening ceremony on 3 December 2025 will align with the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event is organized by Oman Sail and the Oman Maritime Sports Committee, supported by World Sailing and its global partners, Musto and Kuehne+Nagel. Key partners include the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Experience Oman, and the Al Batinah South Governorate, with bronze partners such as Barceló Mussanah Resort, OXY Oman, Visit Oman, Tanuf, and Mazoon Dairy.

With the World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Oman, the ambition is to inspire athletes across the globe, encourage inclusivity in sports, and further solidify Oman’s stature as a venue for international competitions. This event will offer athletes, coaches, and officials valuable experiences while highlighting their skills in a nurturing and accessible atmosphere.

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