Wednesday 16 / September / 2026
Muscat: The Oman National Optimist team comprised of five promising young sailors from Oman Sail has arrived Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to represent the nation at the 2026 Arab Sailing Championship - Optimist. Taking place from 17–21 September at the Jeddah Sailing Centre on the Red Sea coast, the regatta brings together youth talents from 11 participating nations: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia, as well as hosts Saudi Arabia and the Omani team.
Organised by the Saudi Sailing Federation under the authority of the Arab Sailing Federation, the event serves as a vital regional platform for high-level competition and cultural exchange.
Representing Oman will be Khalid Yahya Al Suraihi, Mohammed Sulaiman Al Balushi, Mohammed Zeyad Al Qasmi, Al Khalil Ibrahim Al Fori, and Elyas Maher Al Khodhori. The squad will be led by Coach and Team Leader Sultan Abdulaziz Al Zadjali.
Sultan Al Zadjali, Assistant Head Coach Youth, said, “Our sailors have been training hard and building momentum throughout the season. The Arab Sailing Championship - Optimist is a fantastic opportunity for this young group to test their tactical skills and speed against the best young sailors across the region. They are focused, motivated, and determined to deliver a strong performance for Oman in Jeddah.”
Further highlighting Oman Sail’s technical expertise within the regional sailing community, team official Nawaf Al Ghadani has been selected by the event committee to serve as a Race Officer for the Optimist Team Racing competition.
Nawaf Al Ghadani, Deputy Head of Sailing Schools, added, “It is a privilege to be selected by the event committee to officiate the Optimist Team Racing competition. Being involved in both the technical management and support of our youth programme reflects the growing trust and repute Oman Sail holds on the regional stage. I look forward to delivering a fair, exciting competition for the promising sailors from all participating nations.”
Following their campaign in Saudi Arabia, the team will turn their attention home to prepare for the prestigious landmark 15th Edition of Mussanah Race Week, scheduled for 15-22 October 2026, where they will once again line up against top international competition.
Oman Sail’s commitment to developing the youth of Oman through sport extends beyond sailing to providing opportunities for life-long learning and leadership development where the skills learned on the water can be applied to a variety of situations. By creating the platform for young Omanis to represent the country regionally and internationally, Oman Sail continues to use sport to deliver on the strategic vision of Oman Vision 2040.
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