Intense Racing at Mussanah and Arab Women’s Championships

SPORT REPORTER
MUSCAT, OCTOBER 19
Close competition and strong performances marked the opening day of racing at the 15th Mussanah Race Week and the 3rd Arab Women’s Sailing Championship at Barceló Mussanah Resort, where sailors completed four races across the Optimist, ILCA 4, ILCA 6, ILCA 7 and Para Inclusive classes.
Oman’s Khalid al Sarihi made an impressive start in the Optimist class, recording two victories and a second-place finish to lead the standings. India’s Krishna Vekitachalam was second, while Omani sailor Mohammed al Gasim climbed to third after winning the second and third races. Mohammed al Balushi placed fourth overall and led the junior standings.
Egypt’s Laila Mohamed topped the Optimist competition in the women’s championship after securing three wins and a second-place finish. Oman’s Abeer al Zakwani was second, just two points behind, while Bahrain’s Dana Abdullah finished third.
In ILCA 4, Egypt’s Karma Waleed recovered from two lower finishes to win the final two races and take the overall lead. The UAE’s Abdulrahman Al Bahri was second, followed by Oman’s Hood al Nofli, two points behind. In the women’s standings, Oman’s Tarteel al Hasani was second, with compatriot Hadeel bint Yousef al Mushairfi third.
Tunisia’s Ines Nabeel Gmati led ILCA 6 with three victories from four races. The UAE’s Simeon Hristov was second, while Egypt’s Kholoud Mostafa was third, just one point behind. Oman’s Ibtisam al Salmi finished fifth, and compatriot Elyas bin Badar al Fadhaili placed eighth.
Al Salmi said: “Competing in the 3rd Arab Women’s Sailing Championship is an empowering experience and part of an inspiring journey for all the women here.

Oman’s Al Mutasem al Farsi shared the ILCA 7 lead with Bahrain’s Dawood Abdullah. The UAE’s Hamza Al Ali was third, followed by Oman’s Al Salim bin Ali al Hamdani in fourth, two points off third place.
In the Para Inclusive Hansa 303 class, Oman’s Anwar al Balushi and Adil al Siyabi shared the lead with Buthaina al Balushi and Malik al Qartoobi. Anas al Hashmi and Ahmed al Araimi were third.
Nawaf bin Yaqoob al Ghadani, from the event’s race management team, said Mussanah Sailing School continued to establish itself as a leading venue after receiving Category A High Performance Training Centre recognition from the Asian Sailing Federation.
Both championships support Oman Sail’s efforts to develop national talent, empower young people and women, and expand community participation in sport. They also contribute to Oman Vision 2040 and strengthen the Sultanate’s position as a destination for international sporting events.
The 2026 edition is presented by Renaissance Services as title partner, alongside the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Barceló Mussanah Resort, and supporting partners including Tanuf, the Arab Sailing Association, the Oman Maritime Sports Committee, and the Royal Navy of Oman’s Directorate of Medical Services at the Medical City for Military and Security Services.