World Sailing Inclusion Championships to Debut in Oman

The inaugural edition of its World Sailing Inclusion Championships will take place in Oman from November 30 through December 8, celebrating sailors with disabilities and marking a new chapter for Para Inclusive Sailing.

Organized by Oman Sail and held at Al-Mussanah Sports City, the event will bring together an expected 215 sailors from around the world for a week of competition and development through the Inclusive Development Program, which will take place prior to the start of racing.

“We are delighted to award the inaugural edition of the World Sailing Inclusion Championships to the Sultanate of Oman and Oman Sail,” said Jim Morris, World Sailing director of events. “The bid encapsulates the spirit of inclusive sailing with particular attention to the diversity of the sailing community and accessibility, as well as sustainability and long-term benefits for sailors within the region and across Asia. The Inclusive Development Program, held before the championship begins, will also help to enhance the SailFree program in Oman and provide guidance for our members as they seek to develop similar programs to grow the sport.”

Al-Mussanah has previously hosted the RS Venture Connect World Championships in 2022 and is home to the region’s first sailing program for people with disabilities, SailFree. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for December 3 — the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

“The introduction of the World Sailing Inclusion Championships is an invaluable addition to the sailing calendar,” said Hannah Stodel, Para World Sailing manager. “As a dedicated Para Inclusive Sailing event we are showing that in this sport we are all in the same boat and can all compete at the highest levels. Mussanah is an excellent host venue with world class facilities and an impressive history of hosting Para Sailing events. We look forward to developing a vitally important regatta for the sailing community and helping Para Inclusive Sailing to grow globally.”

The World Sailing Inclusion Championships will serve as a cornerstone of the recently unveiled Para Inclusive Strategy for 2024–2029, setting a standard for inclusivity in sport. The event will feature demonstration events and onshore celebrations.