Sailors ready for start of World Championships in Mussanah

Muscat: Oman Sail is preparing to welcome a 148-strong fleet representing 29 countries when the 2021 49er, 49er FX and Nacra World Championships gets underway in Mussanahon on 16 November. Being held in Asia for the first time in history, the regatta is the first global sailing event after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the start of the campaign to qualify for the Paris 2024 Games.

The championship will run from 16–21 November 2021 at the Barcelo Mussanah Resort, adding to Oman’s reputation as a world class host and premier sailing nation.

The fleet includes Olympians, promising young sailors, high-performance doubles sailors and members of Oman’s national team, all looking to start their 2024 Olympic campaign in good form.

Amongst the Nacra 17 fleet are 2019 World Champions, Maelle Frascari and Vittorio Bissaro (ITA) and 2021 silver medallists John Gimson and Anna Burnet (GBR).

The 49er FX class will see gold medallists Martine Graeland Kahena Kunze (BRA) and European champions Emma Siewers and Odilevan Aanholt (NED) taking part, whereas in 49er class, Olympians Łukasz Przybytek and Pawel Kolodzinski (POL), Benjamin Bildstein and David Hussl (AUT), and former world number 1 James Peters and Fynn Sterritt (GBR) will be competing.

Ben Remocker, 49er Class Manager, said, “In this shortened cycle ahead of the Paris 2024 Games, every regatta is important. With such a strong and varied fleet, the competition should be fierce throughout the week. Oman is an ideal host venue, and a great choice for the first 49er, 49er FX and Nacra the World Championships to be held within Asia. On behalf of the Class, I wish all of the competitors the very best of luck as they take the first steps on the road to Paris 2024.”

Dr Khamis Al Jabri, Oman Sail CEO, said, “Hosting the 2021 49er, 49er FX, and Nacra 17 World Championships is a great honour for Oman Sail and the Sultanate of Oman. We look forward to welcoming the sailors, coaches and supporters to Mussanah for what promises to be an excellent display of competitive sailing across all classes. The Sultanate of Oman has become the focus of sailing during the winter season and the competitors can look forward to ideal conditions, gentle breezes and the world class facilities that have become synonymous with sport in this country.”

He added, “Hosting high profile events such as this improves our standing within international sailing and provides an opportunity for local businesses to offer an authentic experience to visiting sailors while also delivering positive economic benefits to the community. It is our hope that the visiting sailors take this opportunity to explore the Sultanate of Oman and get to know this wonderful country.”

As with past championships, Oman Sail and the 49er and Nacra 17 Class will focus on the environment by minimising waste, promoting recycling and aiming to leave the sea in a better condition than before the regatta.

The Championship also offers an immersive fan experience, which includes live broadcast of the event and in-depth social media coverage and analysis. An event village on site will offer local and international cuisine and full cultural activities for families in line with the latest social distancing and health guidance from the Ministry of Health.

The event is supported by national carrier Oman Air, OQ and the Barceló Mussanah Resort as official partners, and Be’ah as environmental supporter. The National Mineral Water Company Salsabeel Water provided all essential water supplies for the event while the Royal Navy of Oman provided medical support throughout.

Alongside the 2021 49er, 49er FX &Nacra 17 World Championships, Oman Sail is also holding the Oman Sail Festival in cities across the Sultanate. The next events kick off at the Silver Jubilee Garden in Sohar from 12-13 November 2021 before heading to Musandam from 16-20 November 2021. At each location there will be opportunities to try sailing and windsurfing for free and take part in a beach clean-up to care for the local environment.

The festival will also hold events at Kalbuh in Muscat from 26-27 November 2021, Sur from 3-4 December 2021, Hawana Salalah from 6-8 January 2022 and Duqm from 11-15 January 2022. For more information and to pre-register for festival events, please visit www.omansail.com/sailing-festival-activities or search #SailWithUs on social media.