The Sultanate of Oman selected to host inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships

The Sultanate of Oman selected to host inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships © World Sailing

The Sultanate of Oman has been chosen to host the first edition of the new World Sailing Inclusion Championships.

Organised by Oman Sail and held at Al-Mussanah Sports City, the event will celebrate the diverse community of sailors with disabilities by demonstrating that sailing is truly a sport for all and marking a new chapter for Para Inclusive Sailing.

The World Sailing Inclusion Championships will bring together an expected 215 sailors from around the world for a week of competition and development through the Inclusive Development Program (IDP), due to be held prior to the start of racing.

The event is due to be held between 30 November and 8 December 2025, with the official opening ceremony scheduled to be held on 3 December, the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Al-Mussanah has previously hosted the RS Venture Connect World Championships in 2022 and is home to the region's first sailing programme for people with disabilities, SailFree. The venue has also been designated a Category A High Performance Centre by the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF).

Jim Morris, World Sailing Director of Events, said, "We are delighted to award the inaugural edition of the World Sailing Inclusion Championships to the Sultanate of Oman and Oman Sail. 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 Programme, held before the championship begins, will also help to enhance the SailFree programme in Oman, and provide guidance for our members as they seek to develop similar programs to grow the sport."

Hannah Stodel, Para World Sailing Manager, added, "The introduction of the World Sailing Inclusion Championships is an invaluable addition to the sailing calendar. 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 new standard for inclusivity in sport. The event will more than just a competition, it will become a highlight in the Para Inclusive Sailing calendar and a global beacon of inclusivity with demonstration events, and onshore celebrations.

The event is for sailors of all abilities, from grassroots participants to elite competitors, in a dynamic environment that highlights the values of inclusivity and equal opportunity by enabling Para classified athletes to compete alongside other athletes with disabilities that do not classify under the IPC Classification code.