Oman Sail set for SSL Gold Cup finals in Brazil

MUSCAT, NOV 12
The Oman Sail national team will depart for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 14, to compete in the 2026 Star Sailors League (SSL) Gold Cup finals, scheduled from November 15 to December 13, featuring 40 national teams from around the world.
While Oman team secured its place in the prestigious international competition after an unbeaten performance in the Asian qualifiers held in Thailand last December, winning all its races to finish top of its group.
The championship will take place in Guanabara Bay, with racing based at Marina da Glória, bringing together some of the world's leading sailing nations.
As part of its preparations, the team completed an intensive training camp in Switzerland from September 1 to 10, focusing on technical skills, tactical development and crew coordination. Final preparations were conducted at Al Mouj Muscat before departure.
The 10-member Omani squad is led by experienced sailor Nasser al Maashari and includes Hussain al Jabri, Yasser al Rahbi, Ali al Balushi, Akram al Wihaibi, Haitham al Wihaibi, Raad al Hadi, Abdulrahman al Maashari, Ibtisam al Salmi and Marwa al Khaifi.
Expressing confidence ahead of the competition, Al Maashari said the team was proud to represent Oman on the global stage.
'We are proud to compete in the SSL Gold Cup finals and look forward to delivering a performance that reflects our team's capabilities. The training camp in Switzerland helped strengthen our technical and tactical skills and improve coordination among crew members,' he said.
He acknowledged the challenges of competing against 39 other national teams, particularly the changing wind and sea conditions in Guanabara Bay.
Hashim al Rashdi, Oman Sail's senior coach, said the championship would provide valuable international exposure and help further develop the sailors' competitive skills.
'The team demonstrated its capabilities during the Asian qualifiers, and we aim to build on that achievement while gaining experience against the world's best teams,' he said.
The SSL Gold Cup features identical SSL 47 one-design sailing boats, placing emphasis on teamwork, tactical decisions and sailing skills.
A total of 66 nations competed in continental qualifiers, with 40 advancing to the finals. Group-stage racing begins on November 19 and continues until November 22, followed by knockout rounds leading to the championship final.
Oman's participation reflects Oman Sail's continued efforts to develop national sailing talent and strengthen the Sultanate of Oman's presence in international competitions.