Oman Sail Launches 15th Mussanah Race Week with Dual Championships

Event Overview

Oman Sail has announced the 15th Mussanah Race Week, presented by Renaissance Services, set to take place from 15 to 21 October 2026 at the Barceló Mussanah Resort.

The event will bring together over 100 young sailors from across the region and will simultaneously host the 3rd Arab Women’s Sailing Championship, organised in cooperation with the Oman Maritime Sports Committee and the Arab Sailing Federation.

The event highlights growing participation in sailing across the Arab world.

Women’s Championship Details

The women’s championship will feature 30 female competitors sailing in the Optimist, ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 classes, underscoring a shared commitment to inclusive sports development, grassroots progression and high‑performance excellence.

Venue and Pathway

Hosted at the Mussanah Sailing School, a recognised Category A High Performance Centre by the Asian Sailing Federation, the competition offers a proven international pathway for young athletes to develop their talents.

Schedule and Classes

Registration and measurement will occur on 15-16 October, followed by briefings, practice runs and the official start of racing on 18 October.

Competitors will race in the Optimist, Optimist Juniors, ILCA 4, ILCA 6, ILCA 7, Para Inclusive Hansa 303 and RS Venture Connect classes, with up to four races each day leading up to the closing prize‑giving ceremony on 21 October.

Environmental and Social Commitments

Aligned with Oman Sail’s strict environmental standards, Mussanah Race Week 2026 will operate as a certified Clean Regatta, banning single‑use plastics, implementing comprehensive recycling initiatives and organising a community beach clean‑up.

As a catalyst for social change and youth empowerment, the event contributes directly to multiple pillars of Oman Vision 2040.

Statements from Officials

Abdulaziz Salim Al Shidi, Acting Director of Sailing at Oman Sail, said: “Mussanah Race Week plays a vital role in our regional talent development strategy, bridging grassroots discovery with elite international competition. To celebrate our 15th edition alongside the 3rd Arab Women’s Sailing Championship illustrates the incredible progress of the sport in Oman and across the region. Providing an equal, world‑class platform for youth and female athletes allows us to raise the standard of sailing in Oman, inspire the next generation, and continue positioning our nation as a world‑class hub for maritime sports.”

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Arab Sailing Federation, added: “The 3rd Arab Women’s Sailing Championship represents a monumental step forward for maritime sports across the Arab world. By uniting talented female athletes from across the region on this prestigious stage in Oman, we are fostering elite competition while building a sustainable, inclusive future for the sport.”

Support and Partnerships

Mussanah Race Week presented by Renaissance Services is proudly supported by Strategic Partner the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and Experience Oman, Bronze Partner the Barceló Mussanah Resort, and Official Supporter Partners the National Mineral Water Company SAOG (Tanuf) and the Oman Maritime Sports Committee.