Inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships ends on high note

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Mussanah: The curtains came down on the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships 2025 in Oman with a burst of high-octane racing, rousing celebrations and a clear sense of achievement across the fleet.

Hosted by Oman Sail in collaboration with World Sailing, the event concluded on an unmistakably high note, underscoring a landmark week for inclusive sport.

Excellent conditions all week let sailors showcase top-level Para Inclusive Sailing across all four classes. In the Two Person Keelboat, the Polish pair clinched gold despite a mid-series disqualification, with Spain charging late for silver and Greece taking bronze.

The One Person Keelboat title went to Great Britain by a single point after a tense final-race showdown, with Portugal and Japan close behind.

Dr. Laila Bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, graced the occasion and gave away the medals to the winners.

“We are deeply proud of what we witnessed today at the World Sailing Championship for people of determination, and of the remarkable performance and exemplary sportsmanship demonstrated by all participants,” she said.

“Their achievements reaffirm that persons with disabilities possess exceptional capabilities and great potential, and that they are fully able to compete and excel at both the national and international levels.”

Dr Khamis Salim Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, said:

“Twenty-eight nations came together on the waters of the Gulf of Oman, reaffirming that sport is a universal language, one that transcends borders and unites people under the banner of ambition and achievement.

“This first-ever edition has written a new chapter in the global journey of Para Inclusive Sailing, placing Oman—through Oman Sail—at the forefront as the first country in the world to host this championship. It marks a springboard for future editions and a pivotal step towards integrating para sailing into upcoming Olympic competitions.”

Hannah Stodel, Para Sailing Manager at World Sailing, closed the event with a rousing speech about the future of Para Inclusive Sailing.

“Sailors came from every corner of the globe, arriving with determination, joy, and the fierce competitive spirit that defines Para Inclusive Sailing. Whether this was your first event or your fiftieth, you have been nothing short of inspirational.

“This week we saw courage, tactical brilliance, grit, heartbreak, triumph, and some of the purest sailing I’ve ever witnessed. Medals tell one story — but showing up tells the real one. And every single one of you showed up. For yourselves. For your teams. For Para Inclusive Sailing. For the future.

“This championship marks a turning point. A bold, unapologetic statement that Para Inclusive Sailing belongs on the world stage - not hidden, not sidelined, but central to our sport’s future. We are building something monumental together.”