Oman Sailing Championship showcases emerging talent of the region

Sports Sunday 24/August/2025 15:33 PM
By: Times News Service
Oman Sailing Championship showcases emerging talent of the  region

Muscat: The last day of racing at the Oman Sailing Championships in Ras Al Hadd, in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, highlighted the depth of talent coming through the ranks at Oman Sail’s Sailing Schools.

In total, 56 young Omanis took part in Optimist, ILCA 4, ILCA 6, ILCA 7 and 29er categories, showcasing the diverse sailing skills being developed across the country.

The event also welcomed 12 sailors from the United Arab Emirates, further underlining the strength of emerging talent across the region.

The top three sailors in each category received their prizes during the closing ceremony.

In the Optimist competition – the largest fleet of the championships – and all of the races were very close battles on the water. Khamis Al Mashaykhi won, just ahead of Hood Al Nofali in second and Tarteel Al Hasni third.

The highest-ranking junior was Mohammed Al Qasmi, ahead of Kahlid Al Sarihi in second and Ahmed Samir of the UAE in third, while Tarteel Al Hasni was also the highest-ranking girl.

The ILCA 4, featuring the ASYAD Sailing Team, saw fierce competition throughout all 12 races.

Ultimately it was Abdullatif Al Qasmi who triumphed, finishing ahead of Aws Al Busaidi in second.

Hassan Al Wahaibi finished in third. The ILCA 6 Boys category, also featuring the ASYAD Sailing Team, was won by Al Moutasem Al Farsi, who finished ahead of Hussain Al Jabri in second and Al Salem Al Hamdani in third.

Ibtisam Al Salmi won the ILCA 6 Girls overall competition. The 29er competition was won by Tamim Al Balushi and Saleh Al Balushi. Firas Al Nabhani and Suad Al Shaqsi finished second.

Abdulaziz Al Shidi, Oman Sail’s Acting Director of Sailing, said, “The Oman Sailing Championship was a fantastic display of sailing skill and camaraderie. We are always so impressed with how many talented sailors there are within the nation and the enthusiasm and determination on show in every race. I would like to thank our visiting sailors from the United Arab Emirates for being part of the event and contributing to such a memorable occasion. The future of sailing is bright in both countries.”

The Oman Sailing Championship was supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Oman Marine Sports Association, and government entities in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate.

The ASYAD Group supported Oman’s ILCA teams at the event, continuing its vision and national efforts to develop sports, engage youth, and enhance community development.