Muscat: The races began after a three-day training and development programme conducted by the International Sailing Federation, offering essential preparation for sailors, coaches, and race officials. The opening day delivered high-intensity action across four internationally accredited boat categories: RS Venture for Paralympic-classified teams, Far East boats for blind racers, Hansa 303 for all-category sailors, and Elka 6 for Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Sailors displayed advanced technical skill and unwavering spirit as wind speeds touched 7 knots, ideal conditions that lifted the level of competition across all classes.
In the RS Venture category, Norway dominated early standings. The duo of Henriette Smith and Solfried Lindheim Qvensland secured first place, followed by Poland’s Piotr Cichocki and Olga Gornas Grodzin in second. Another Norwegian team, Stian Kristiansen and Elliott Finnstrand, claimed third, marking a promising beginning for the Scandinavian contingent.
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The Hansa 303 class saw Britain’s Rory McKenna surge ahead for first place, while Japan’s Takumi Niwa finished close behind in second. Portugal’s João Pinto rounded off the top three after a consistent performance. Omani sailors Malik Al Qurtubi and Ali Al Ghassini finished tenth and fourteenth respectively, gaining valuable experience in the global arena.
In the Elka 6 category, British sailor Murray MacDonald claimed the top spot, followed by Man Hong Leung from Hong Kong, with compatriot Tsz Hin Cheung finishing third.
The Far East boat category, dedicated to blind sailors, witnessed a clean sweep from the United Kingdom. Lucy Hodges led her team to first place, followed by the squads led by Karl Heinz and Vicky Sheen, who secured second and third positions after a series of powerful, closely contested races.
Oman’s participation is highlighted by sailors trained under the successful “Sail Free” programme, which has played a vital role in preparing athletes with disabilities for international competition. Among them is Zaher Al-Atbi, competing in the RS Venture class, embodying the nation’s growing commitment to inclusive sporting excellence.
