Countdown begins for World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Mussanah

In two weeks, on November 30, 2025, the Mussanah Sailing School at Barcele Mussanah Resort will host over 150 sailors, coaches and support staff for the first edition of the World Sailing Inclusion Championships.

Representing 33 nations, the new event aims to set a new standard for inclusivity in sport, highlight the global enthusiasm for inclusive sailing and reinforce the sport's commitment to creating opportunities for all.

The championships will bring together sailors with a wide range of disabilities, including Para-classified athletes and those who do not fall under the IPC classification code. They will compete across multiple classes in a dynamic environment that champions inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Competition will take place in one-person for the Hansa 303 and ILCA 6, for two-person in the RS Venture Connect and Fareast 28r for visually impaired sailing.

The event will also feature an Inclusive Development Programme (IDP) held prior to racing, providing critical training and development for sailors, coaches, and race officials from emerging nations.

Representing Oman will be six sailors from Oman Sail’s SailFree programme, run in collaboration with bp Oman and the Oman Paralympic Association. In the RS Venture event, the teams of Sami Al Sulaimi & Sultan Al Wahaibi, Rayan Al Mujaini & Zaher Al Atbi, and Adil Al Siyabi & Hassan Al Lawati will join 28 other teams in a fleet racing format competition.

In the One-Person Inclusive category, using a fleet of Hansa 303 boats, Omani sailors Ali Al Ghusaini, Al Ghalya Al Jabri and Malik Al Qurtubi will sail alongside 35 other 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 World Sailing Inclusion Championships will see the debut of several nations in inclusive sailing, proving the potential of the sport to inspire diverse communities from all continents. Sailors from Trinidad & Tobago, India, Saudi Arabia and Korea will take part in the One Person Inclusive competition, while crews from Iraq, Chinese Taipei and Uruguay will sail in the Two Person Hansa 303 competition.

The official opening ceremony for the World Sailing Inclusion Championships is scheduled for December 3, 2025, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The World Sailing Inclusion Championships is supported by World Sailing global partners Musto and Kuehne+Nagel, Silver Partners the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Experience Oman, and the Al Batinah South Governorate, and Bronze Partners the Barcelo Mussanah Resort, OXY Oman – Zero In, Visit Oman, Tanuf and Mazoon.