Oman to Host World Sailing Inclusion Championships 2025

Mussanah: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by Oman Sail, has been selected to host the first edition of the World Sailing Inclusion Championships. The event is scheduled to take place from 30 November to 8 December 2025 at the Mussanah Sailing School. According to Oman News Agency, the official opening ceremony will coincide with the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The championship will celebrate the community of sailors with disabilities, offering a platform for Para classified athletes and other athletes with disabilities who do not fall under the IPC Classification code. The competitions will be held in RS Venture Connect, RS21, Wingfoil, and ILCA (Special Olympic) categories. Over 200 sailors from across the globe are expected to participate in the week-long regatta, alongside coaches and support staff who will attend the World Sailing Inclusive Development Programme (IDP) held three days prior to the championship. The IDP aims to connect sailors with coaches and instruc tors from World Sailing to foster national Para Inclusive sailing programmes and provide guidance for both coaches and sailors. The event will also feature a tourism day to introduce visitors to Oman's cultural heritage. Dr. Khamis Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, expressed the honor of hosting the inaugural regatta, emphasizing the achievements in promoting diversity in sailing and supporting individuals with disabilities through the SailFree programme. Mussanah is highlighted as a proven venue with facilities, accommodation, and accessibility suitable for championships of various sizes. Jim Morris, World Sailing Director, expressed delight in awarding the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships to Oman and Oman Sail. The bid reflects the spirit of inclusive sailing, focusing on community diversity, accessibility, sustainability, and long-term regional benefits. The Inclusive Development Programme is expected to enhance the SailFree programme and guide the development of similar initiatives to grow the sport. The Oman Sail Sailing School in Mussanah, previously hosting the RS Venture Connect World Championships in 2022, is noted for being home to the region's first sailing programme for people with disabilities, SailFree.