Sunday 16 / November / 2025
Muscat: The waters off Mussanah Sailing School at the Barceló Mussanah Resort are set to come alive as Oman prepares to host the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships (WSIC).
The competition begins on 30 November 2025 at Mussanah Sailing School, Barceló Mussanah Resort, with the official opening ceremony scheduled for 3 December, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Over 150 athletes, coaches, and support staff from 33 nations will gather for a groundbreaking event that celebrates inclusivity, skill, and opportunity for all.
Sailors of all abilities, including para-classified athletes and competitors outside the IPC classification code, will compete across multiple classes. One-person events include the Hansa 303 and ILCA 6, while two-person events feature the RS Venture Connect and Fareast 28R for visually impaired sailing.
Ahead of the competition, the Inclusive Development Programme (IDP) will provide training and development for sailors, coaches, and race officials from emerging nations, reinforcing the event’s commitment to growth and opportunity.
Oman will be represented by six sailors from the Oman Sail SailFree programme, in partnership with bp Oman and the Oman Paralympic Association.
In the RS Venture Connect two-person event, the teams of Sami Al Sulaimi and Sultan Al Wahaibi, Rayan Al Mujaini and Zaher Al Atbi, and Adil Al Siyabi and Hassan Al Lawati will compete against 28 other teams.
In the one-person Hansa 303 class, Omani sailors Ali Al Ghusaini, Al Ghalya Al Jabri, and Malik Al Qurtubi will join 35 athletes from around the world.
Maryam Al Jadidi, WSIC Project Manager and Senior Project Manager at Oman Sail, said: “Oman Sail is committed to supporting people with disabilities to reach their potential and live a fulfilling life.
Sailing allows people to leave their limitations on land and experience freedom on the water. The World Sailing Inclusion Championships brings together inspiring athletes from across the globe to Oman for a celebration of inclusive sport. Hosting the inaugural edition of this event is an incredible honour for Oman Sail, and we are excited to be the first to welcome a new era for the sport.”
Hannah Stodel, World Sailing’s Para World Sailing Manager, added: “To see 150 athletes, coaches, and support staff already signed up is simply fantastic. It’s a powerful testament to the strength and spirit of our sailing community. This is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of our diverse and capable athletes and a huge step forward in our mission to grow Para Inclusive sailing globally. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Oman for what promises to be an unforgettable week of racing and camaraderie.”
The championships will also see several nations compete in inclusive sailing for the first time, including Trinidad & Tobago, India, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Iraq, Chinese Taipei, and Uruguay, highlighting the sport’s global reach.
