The clock is ticking in Mussanah, Oman. In just two weeks, more than 150 sailors, coaches and support staff from 33 nations will arrive at the Mussanah Sailing School at Barceló Mussanah Resort for the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships, taking place on 30 November 2025.
This first-of-its-kind event aims to set a new benchmark for inclusivity in global sport. Designed to bring together athletes with a wide range of disabilities, including Para-classified competitors and those outside the IPC code, the championships reflect a growing movement to make sailing more accessible, more representative, and more globally connected.
Athletes will compete across several classes, including one-person racing in the Hansa 303 and ILCA 6, and two-person racing in the RS Venture Connect and the Fareast 28r for visually impaired sailing. Before the action begins, an Inclusive Development Programme will run on site, offering essential training to sailors, coaches and race officials from emerging nations and creating long-term pathways into the sport.
Oman will be strongly represented through six athletes from Oman Sail’s SailFree programme, delivered in partnership with bp Oman and the Oman Paralympic Association. In the RS Venture event, Sami Al Sulaimi and Sultan Al Wahaibi, Rayan Al Mujaini and Zaher Al Atbi, and Adil Al Siyabi and Hassan Al Lawati will join 28 other teams. In the One-Person Inclusive category, Ali Al Ghusaini, Al Ghalya Al Jabri and Malik Al Qurtubi will line up alongside 35 athletes from around the world in the Hansa 303.
Maryam Al Jadidi, WSIC Project Manager and Sr. 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.”
“Sailing allows people to leave their limitations on land and experience freedom on the water…” – Maryam Al Jadidi, WSIC Project Manager and Sr. Project Manager at Oman Sail.
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.”
This year’s edition will also mark the debut of several nations in inclusive sailing. Sailors from Trinidad and Tobago, India, Saudi Arabia and Korea will race in the One Person Inclusive category, while competitors from Iraq, Chinese Taipei and Uruguay will join the Two Person Hansa 303 fleet, demonstrating the sport’s growing global footprint.
The opening ceremony is set for 3 December 2025, aligning with the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, adding symbolic weight to a milestone moment for inclusive sport.
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 Barceló Mussanah Resort, OXY Oman Zero In, Visit Oman, Tanuf and Mazoon.
