MUSCAT: Oman Sail’s Performance Team successfully competed in the 39th MSA–NSC–MILO National Open Championship 2025, a major multi-class ranking regatta in Langkawi, Malaysia that attracted strong national and international fleets. The championship comprised 12 races in both the ILCA 4, ILCA 6, ILCA 7 and 29er classes, challenging the sailors with a variety of wind and sea conditions.
Overall, the team achieved a solid performance, gaining valuable international experience, particularly for the first-time participants, and demonstrating significant progress in line with
Oman Sail’s long-term competitive pathway towards the 2026 Asian Games and the second
edition of the Arab Sailing Championship for Women will take place in Kuwait from December 2
to 5, 2025.
The 29er Team made their international debut at this regatta and despite this being their first
international outing, the teams gained valuable exposure and learning in crucial areas such as
full-fleet racing, tactical positioning, high-pressure boat-handling, and effective fleet covering
on both upwind and downwind legs. Tamim al Balushi and Saleh al Balushi finished in fourth
place, while Soud al Shaqsi and Firas al Nabhani secured fifth place overall.
The Asyad ILCA 4 squad also delivered a strong campaign, demonstrating their ability to adapt
to shifting wind conditions, manage fleet interaction, and maintain competitive boat speed.
Abdulatif al Qasmi achieved a podium finish, taking third place, while Hassan al Wahaibi and Aws
al Busaidy finished in 13th place and 14th place, respectively.
In the ILCA 6 Women’s competition, Ibtisam al Salmi finished in 8th place after showing notable
improvement throughout the championship and achieving multiple top-three race finishes.
Hussain al Jabri, competing in the highly competitive ILCA 7 fleet which included Asian-level
sailors from Malaysia and Chinese Taipei, maintained steady top 10 results, finishing in eighth
place overall.
Hashim al Rashdi, Oman Sail’s Head Coach Performance, said, "This championship was an
important marker for our long-term competitive pathway, especially as we look ahead to the
2026 Asian Games. The entire Performance Team showed tremendous spirit, and securing a
podium finish in ILCA 4 and delivering strong top-five results in the 29er class—in their first
international outing—is highly encouraging.
“The experience gained in managing full-fleet pressure, adapting to varied conditions, and
tactical decision-making will be invaluable. We leave Malaysia with a clear understanding of our
strengths, such as our improved boat handling, and a focused plan to address areas like start-
line execution and race endurance, ensuring we continue to build fast, effective, and confident
sailors," he added.
The 39th MSA-NSC-MILO National Open Championship 2025 was held at the National Sailing
Centre, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia and organised by the Kedah Sailing Association with the
Ministry of Youth and Sports and Ministry of Education under the auspices of the National Sport
Council and the Malaysian Sailing Association (MSA).
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