Muscat – Oman Sail’s Performance Team put up a solid performance 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 gave an impressive account of themselves and gained valuable international experience, particularly for the first-time participants.

They demonstrated significant progress in line with Oman Sail’s long-term competitive pathway towards the 2026 Asian Games.

The 29er Team made their international debut at this regatta and gained valuable exposure and learning in crucial areas such as full-fleet racing, tactical positioning, high-pressure boat-handling as well as 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 had 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 Busaidi finished 13th and 14th, respectively.

In the ILCA 6 women’s competition, Ibtisam al Salmi finished eighth 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 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).

The second edition of the Arab Sailing Championship for Women will take place in Kuwait from December 2 to 5, 2025.