39 teams to compete at 2022 RS Venture Connect World sailing
MUSCAT: Oman Sail welcomed 39 teams from 19 nations to the Barcelo Musannah Resort for the 2022 RS Venture Connect World Championships, the first exclusively para sailing event to be held in Oman.
Over the next six days, sailors in both the para and open categories – including Oman Sail’s own Sailfree squad — will compete in the ultra-versatile RS Venture Connect boat, before a grand final on November 27 will decide the 2022 world champion.
Six two-person teams will represent Oman in the para category; Hassan al Lawati and Sami al Sulaimi, Sultan al Wahaibi and Ahmed al Balushi, Adil al Siyabi and Nasser al Rahbi, Malik al Qartoubi and Ghalya al Jabri, Rayyan al Mujaini and Hamed al Subhi, and Zaher al Atbi and Ali al Ghasaini.
Feras Asqul, Project Manager at Oman Sail, said, “This is a first for Oman and a first for the region. We are delighted to be able to welcome so many talented and determined sailors to the Barcelo Musannah Resort for a milestone event. Conditions are perfect for great sailing, and we look forward to making history here together. The practice days brought exceptional conditions and amazing sailing, with light winds allowing the athletes to show their best form. Already we have seen how talented the para sailors are and this promises to be an incredibly close but exciting championship. We look forward to great racing tomorrow and the chance to show the potential of para sailing.”
Dermot Birchall, General Manager of Barcelo Musannah Resort, says, “We are delighted to host the first parasailing competition in Oman at Barcelo Musannah Resort. Oman Sail has done a phenomenal job with the recent sailing competitions in the Sultanate, and we are grateful to be a part of their ongoing journey. It is a true testament to the sailors’ determination and strong will, inspiring people to overcome challenges and extraordinary circumstances to pursue their goals in life as the world watches on. We would like to wish all participants of the RSS Venture Connect World Championships the very best of luck and look forward to welcoming them to Barcelo Musannah Resort.”
The next leg of the nationwide Oman Sailing Festival also kicks off tomorrow at Barcelo Musannah Resort, with professional instructors from Oman Sail offering free sessions to Try Sailing, Try Windsurfing and Try Kitesurfing, as well as the RS Venture Connect for people with disabilities.