Muscat: Oman Sail will kick off the 2022 sailing season at the Asian Sailing Championships in Abu Dhabi where teams in three classes will compete from 27 February to 6 March.
The 49er, Windsurfing and ILCA 4 teams will join over 140 sailors from 17 countries across the continent at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club for a week of action against some of the best in Asia, under the guidance of team leader Mohsin Al Busaidi.
The Omani contingent features Musab Al Hadi and Waleed Al Kindi in the 49er class, coached by Zakariya Al Wahabi; Abdulmajeed Al Hadrami and Abdullah Al Sarhi in the Windsurfing class, along with coach Sultan Al Balushi; and Nibras Al Owaisi will team with Elyass Al Fhadli in the ILCA 4 class which is coached by Mundher Al Kindi.
Team leader, Mohsin Al Busaidi, Head of the Youth Sailing Pathway at Oman Sail, said, “This is an important test for our sailors across three classes and a great opportunity to put into practice the techniques we have been learning in training. Qualifying for Paris 2024 is our main objective, and this tournament is the first step this year to reach that level. It will be an interesting opportunity for the team and a great chance to get into the rhythm of competitive sailing early in the year.”
Racing will be staged in the harbour and open waters surrounding the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club every day from Tuesday 1 March until Sunday 6 March. The final day of races will also feature the medal event where the prizes will be decided, before concluding with a prizegiving and closing ceremony.
The event is organised by the UAE Sailing & Rowing Federation (UAE SARF) under the sanction of the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF). All participants will be subject to COVID-19 testing requirements and safety protocols as implemented by the authorities of the UAE and Abu Dhabi to ensure a safe tournament for all sailors, coaches, dignitaries and media.
