Oman 29er team heads to Lake Garda for the Euro Cup Series 2026

MUSCAT: Oman Sail’s High Performance 29er team of Tamim al Balushi and Saleh al Balushi and Saud al Shaqsi and Firas al Nabhani are ready to take to the crystal waters of Lake Garda in the coming days for the Euro Cup Series 2026. Racing begins on May 1 with 12 races scheduled, leaving the 71 registered teams competing for overall victory, as well as senior, under-19 and under-17 in men’s, women’s and mixed categories.

The team has recently completed a pre-event training camp in La Baule, France, in preparation for this event, as well as upcoming regattas as part of Kiel Week in June, 29er World Championship in July and training ahead of the 20th Asian Games in Gamagori, Japan, in September.

Joining the team at the Fraglia Vela Malcesine Yacht Club will be 29er coach Fabrice Jaunet from France, who boasts a proven track record in sailing, including more than 15 world titles, alongside assistant coach Zakariya al Wahabi.

Hashim al Rashdi, Oman Sail's Head Coach Performance, said, “This is an exciting opportunity for the High Performance 29er team. Fraglia Vela Malcesine is a very well regarded, very well-equipped yacht club in spectacular surroundings where numerous World Championships have been held. To sail here, and to test ourselves against a strong fleet primarily from Europe, will be invaluable in helping our sailors to develop, gain experience in a unique environment and perform at their best.”

Saud and Firas during a training camp in Ras Al Hadd.

Assistant 29er coach Zakariya al Wahabi added, “Our training camp in France focused on equipping the team with the skills they need to navigate the type of wind and current Lake Garda is known for and how to control the boats in changing conditions. We are excited for the week ahead and for a busy season this year. All four sailors have been dedicated in their preparation for this event, and we hope to show our quality on the water.”

THREE DAYS OF RACING

Racing will be held over three days with two rounds of qualifying culminating in a medal series on the final day.

The team will return to Oman following the conclusion of the Euro Cup Series in Italy to begin preparations for Kiel Week in Germany, taking place from June 24–29. This will be followed by the 2026 29er World Championship in Germany from July 2–7, and a training camp in France, in cooperation with the French national team, from August 15–25. The 2026 Asian Games will then get underway on September 19 and run until October 4 at Kaiyoh Yacht Harbour in Gamagori.