Monday 27 / October / 2025
Mussanah: The 2025 Optimist Asian & Oceanian Championship officially began with the opening ceremony at Barceló Mussanah Resort, marking the start of a week of competition featuring 180 sailors from 25 nations across Asia and Oceania. Racing will take place daily at the Oman Sail Sailing School in Mussanah until 31 October when the closing and prize-giving ceremony will take place.
The ceremony was held in the presence of distinguished guests and officials, including Dr. Khamis Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, and representatives of regional and international sailing associations. The highlight of the evening was the official raising of the championship flag by Ajay Narang, Vice President of the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) for Asia, Africa and Oceania, officially declaring the championship open.
The programme also included the Sailors’ Oath, delivered by Omani sailor Layan Al Ruzaiqi, and the Judges’ Oath, presented by Sukkong Kim, emphasising the values of fairness and integrity in competition. The event featured a presentation about the history of the championship and a parade of participating nations’ flags, celebrating friendship and unity among young sailors from around the world.
In his speech, Ajay Narang, Vice President of IODA for Asia, Africa and Oceania, expressed his delight at returning to Oman and praised the exceptional organisation and hospitality, saying: “It is a great honour to welcome young sailors from across Asia and Oceania and the rest of the world to Mussanah Sailing School. Seeing this gathering of talented young sailors fills us with pride and optimism for the future of our sport. Each of you carries your nation’s colours and embodies the courage, friendship, and adventure that define the Optimist class – the starting point of every great sailor’s journey.
“On behalf of IODA, I extend our sincere appreciation to Oman Sail, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and all partners for their professionalism and dedication. Oman has truly become a beacon of excellence in sailing, where tradition meets ambition and the sea continues to inspire new generations.
I also extend my thanks to the race officials, jury members, and measurers for upholding the highest standards of fairness and professionalism. To our young sailors, I say: true victory lies not only in medals but in learning, friendship, and sportsmanship. May you have fair winds, exciting races, and lasting memories.”
Sultan Al Zadjali, Optimist Coach and Assistant Head Coach at Oman Sail, said: “We are competing this year with a promising group of sailors who have undergone intensive preparation. Our goal is to deliver strong performances that reflect the progress of sailing in Oman while building confidence and experience by racing against some of the best sailors in the region.”
Representing Oman at the 2025 Optimist Asian & Oceanian Championship are ten sailors from Oman Sail’s national sailing schools: Mohammed Al Balushi, Habib Al Hassani, Al Khalil Al Foori, Mohammed Al Qasmi, Khalid Al Sarihi, Hood Al Nofli, Khamis Al Mashaikhi, Hadeel Al Mushaifri, Tarteel Al Hasani, and Layan Al Ruzaiqi.
Saudi national team coach, Rayan Al Jumaieli, shared his expectations for the event, saying: “This championship is an excellent opportunity for young sailors to gain valuable experience and compete against top-level athletes. We are delighted to be in Oman, a country that has consistently demonstrated its world-class organisational capabilities in hosting major sailing events. Our ambition is to reach the Gold Fleet and win a medal for Saudi Arabia.”
He added: “We began our preparations several months ago, with our most recent participation at Mussanah Race Week, which serves as a key part of our training programme. The event continues to grow year after year and is now a fixture in the international calendar thanks to its outstanding organisation and competitive atmosphere.”
Meanwhile, Kuwait national team coach, Ihab El Shaabany, emphasized the importance of participation, saying: “The Asian & Oceanian Championship is one of the most prestigious events in the Optimist class, bringing together elite sailors from across the continents. It offers a real opportunity for young sailors to test their skills and develop teamwork and discipline. Our preparations have been intensive, including daily training sessions, international camps, and participation at Mussanah Race Week, which provided valuable exposure to the sailing conditions here in Oman.”
He added: “We hope to achieve strong results in this championship and highly commend the exceptional organisation by Oman Sail. My message to our young sailors is to give their best in every race, embrace the spirit of fair play, and make the most of this valuable experience.”
This is the second time Oman has hosted the championship, following the successful 2019 edition which featured 141 sailors from 21 nations. The return of the event highlights Oman’s growing reputation as a leading destination for major international sailing championships, supported by world-class facilities, ideal sailing conditions, and highly experienced organisational teams.
The Oman Sail Sailing School in Mussanah continues to enhance its status as a Category A High-Performance Training Centre certified by the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF), in recognition of its commitment to international training standards and its success in hosting major international events. The accreditation reinforces the school’s role as a regional hub for developing sailors and coaches across Asia.
The 2025 Optimist Asian & Oceanian Championship is organised by Oman Sail in collaboration with the Oman Marine Sports Committee and the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA), supported by Gold Partner QNB Oman, along with Mazoon Dairy, Tanuf Water, Barceló Mussanah Resort, and Visit Oman as Bronze Partners.
