Oman Optimist team shines at Arab sailing in Jeddah

MUSCAT, SEPT 23
The Oman Sail Optimist team returned from the 2026 Arab Sailing Championship in Jeddah with a strong set of results, winning two medals and a trophy while recording several top finishes across the team and individual competitions.
Held from September 17 to 21 at the Jeddah Sailing Centre on the Red Sea coast, the championship brought together young sailing talents from 11 countries for a highly competitive regional regatta.
Oman was represented by five young sailors – Khalid bin Yahya al Suraihi, Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Balushi, Mohammed bin Zeyad al Qasmi, Al Khalil bin Ibrahim al Fouri and Elyas bin Maher al Khodhouri – who produced a series of impressive performances throughout the event.
The Omani team secured second place in the Optimist Team Racing competition, highlighting the sailors’ ability to work together under pressure while demonstrating speed, tactical awareness and strong decision-making.
In the individual fleet races, Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Balushi claimed third place and the bronze medal in the Optimist Under-12 category. Oman also recorded two top-10 finishes in the highly competitive Under-15 fleet, with Khalid bin Yahya al Suraihi taking eighth place and Mohammed bin Zeyad al Qasmi finishing 10th.
The team’s achievements extended beyond the results on the water. Elyas bin Maher al Khodhouri was presented with the Best Sportsmanship Award in recognition of his respect for fellow competitors, teamwork, willingness to assist others and commitment to fair play.
Oman also had a presence in the technical management of the championship, with Oman Sail official Nawaf al Ghadani appointed as a Race Officer for the Optimist Team Racing competition. His appointment added to the growing involvement of Omani technical personnel in the organisation and management of regional sailing events.
TOP PERFORMANCE
Sultan bin Abdulaziz al Zadjali, Assistant Youth Head Coach, praised the young sailors for their performance in Jeddah.
“I am extremely proud of the determination and skill our young sailors demonstrated in Jeddah. Securing second place in the Team Race, along with a podium finish and two top-10 results in the individual categories against some of the region’s finest young sailors, is a reflection of their hard work and preparation. This experience will be an important building block as they continue to develop and compete at a higher level on the international stage,” he said.
Bronze medallist Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Balushi said representing Oman on the podium was a memorable experience.
“Representing Oman and standing on the podium at the Arab Sailing Championship is an unforgettable feeling. The racing was intense, but our training paid off. I would like to thank our coaches and teammates for all their support, and I am looking forward to building on this success in our upcoming regattas,” he said.
Organised by the Saudi Sailing Federation under the authority of the Arab Sailing Federation, the championship provided an important regional platform for competition, technical exchange and the development of young sailing talent.
Following their successful campaign in Saudi Arabia, the Oman Sail Optimist team will return home to prepare for the 15th edition of Musannah Race Week, scheduled for October 15 to 22. The event will provide another opportunity for the young Omani sailors to test themselves against strong international competition.
Oman Sail continues to place youth development at the heart of its programmes, using sailing to promote sporting performance while also providing young Omanis with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and lifelong learning skills. Through these programmes, Oman Sail is helping prepare a new generation of sailors to represent Oman at regional and international events in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.