Muscat – Oman Sail will host the 2022 RS Venture Connect World Championships in November.

The first exclusive para sailing championship to be held in Oman will take place from November 20 to 27 at the Barcelo Mussanah Resort. Around 36 teams from 15 nations will compete in the RS Venture boat, designed specifically for people with disabilities, including members of Oman Sail’s SailFree team.

Dr Khamis al Jabri, Oman Sail CEO, said; “We are honoured to be chosen as the hosts of the RS Venture Connect World Championships and have the opportunity to welcome para sailors from around the world to Oman in November. This is a huge step forward for the discipline in the region and will provide valuable training for coaches, race officials and classifiers which will help grow the sport in Oman.

“The championships and Paralympic Development Program (PDP) will be integral in supporting the athletes as we build towards our long-term goal of developing a national parasailing team and continue to support World Sailing’s campaign to reinstate sailing at the Paralympics in Los Angeles 2028,” said Al Jabri.

Khamis al Anbouri, Oman Sail Commercial Director, said, “The RS Venture Connect World Championships will allow the sailors from SailFree, the first parasailing programme in the region, to gain valuable experience and compete against sailors from around the world on home waters as we continue to make progress in the sport.

“We are also looking forward to hosting such a prestigious championship and furthering Oman’s reputation as a world-class sailing venue, creating new pathways for staff and coaches to be part of this and future events, and share Oman’s famous warm hospitality with our visitors.”

Dan Jaspers, Head of International Sales and Business Development for RS Sailing and the Manufacturer’s Representative for the RS Venture Connect Class stated: “I am very excited that the World Championship will be headed to Oman this year and I am happy that we have been able to partner with our friends at Oman Sail and their sponsors to make this event a reality.

“Having been to Oman on a number of occasions, I can say for certain that it will not only be the on-water competition that will be enjoyed by those taking part, but also the hospitality of the hosts and the culture of this amazing country,” he added.

Those wishing to participate in the event should do so via the dedicated registration platform: https://bit.ly/3Q5uFub