The SailFree Oman team, supported by bp Oman, showcased a successful performance at the 2026 World Sailing Championships in Portugal. The competition was hosted in Portimão, where Omani athletes achieved significant results in the Hansa 303 and RS Venture classes.
Outstanding Results in Various Classes
Malik Al-Qurtubi and Ghalia Al-Jabri continued to compete, finishing fourth in the Hansa 303 class, just two points shy of the podium. Additionally, Ali Al-Qasini and Mohammed Al-Amri secured eighth place in the same event. In the RS Venture Connect class, Zaher Al-Attabi and Mousa Al-Nafaie achieved twenty-fourth place amidst a tight competition, gaining valuable experience from these world championships.
Read more: Lionel Messi bids farewell to national football
Advancement and Development of Adaptive Sports in Oman
This competition, held as a continuation of the first round in Muscat last year, provided a vital opportunity for Omani sailors to develop their skills and test their technical abilities. Nawaf Al-Ghadani, the team leader, stated: "Our team had an amazing performance in Portimão and competed with a strong will against the best adaptive sailors in the world. Achieving fourth place in Hansa 303 and strengthening our position in the classes reflects the hard work of the athletes in training. This competition has tested their abilities and brought them a lot of confidence."
Ibrahim Al-Hanai, the social investment manager at bp Oman, also noted: "We are proud of the performance and determination of the SailFree athletes in Portugal. This success demonstrates the true value of the SailFree program and proves that continuous investment in the community and empowering individuals with disabilities creates life-changing opportunities. Seeing our sailors succeed on the global stage is inspiring, and we will continue to support the next generation of athletes through this important initiative."
Participation in high-quality international regattas aligns with the overall goals of Oman Sail and bp Oman for SailFree, providing structured pathways for individuals with disabilities to progress from beginner sailing to advanced competition and raising awareness of adaptive sports.
