Oman Sail Expands Inclusive Sports with Launch of 12 New Para Sailing Boats

Oman Sail Expands Para Sailing Fleet with 12 New Boats In a landmark move to boost para sailing opportunities in the Sultanate, Oman Sail officially launched 12 new Hansa 303 para sailing boats on Wednesday as part of its inclusive ‘Sail Free’ programme. This initiative, backed by bp Oman, aims to make sailing more accessible to people with disabilities and underscores the country’s commitment to inclusive sports. The launch ceremony, held at Oman Sail headquarters, took place under the patronage of Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism. These cutting-edge Hansa 303 boats are internationally recognised for their stability, lightweight frame, and ease of use, making them ideal for both training and competition purposes. Dr. Khamis bin Salem al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, emphasized the significance of the new fleet, stating that it would “significantly enhance Oman’s preparations for upcoming global competitions,” especially the first-ever Para Sailing World Championship, which Oman is set to host this December in Al Musannah. Since its inception in 2019, the ‘Sail Free’ programme has positively impacted over 300 participants with disabilities, helping them gain self-confidence, improve skillsets, and discover new avenues in sports. According to Al Jabri, “this initiative reflects Oman Sail’s commitment to making sport accessible for all, in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” Ibrahim bin Hamed al Hinai, Social Investment Manager at bp Oman, praised the collaboration, calling the programme “a successful platform that has enabled athletes with disabilities to showcase their talents at both national and international levels.” Reinforcing the practicality of the Hansa 303, Khamis al Anbouri, Commercial Director at Oman Sail, remarked that the boats’ “lightweight and highly stable” design ensures they are safe, portable, and well-suited for international events. Plans are already in place for Oman’s para sailors to participate in a series of prestigious competitions, including the Asian Para Sailing Championship in India this October, the ANOC World Beach Games in Turkey, Musannah Race Week, and the Para Sailing World Championship in Oman. The launch event also featured heartening testimonies from Omani para sailors Mohammed al Shukairi and Ghalia al Jabri, who spoke about how sailing has empowered them with independence, increased confidence, and a sense of belonging within the community. With the addition of the 12 new boats, Oman Sail now operates a dedicated fleet of 18 para sailing boats—including 8 RS Venture and 12 Hansa 303—in partnership with bp Oman, reinforcing its ongoing mission to drive inclusivity and broaden sporting opportunities for all. Team V.DIR-EM-UAE