Perfect start for SSL Team Oman

MUSCAT: SSL Team Oman produced a flawless opening performance at the Star Sailors League (SSL) Gold Cup Asia Qualifier in Chonburi, Thailand, winning all four races over the first two days to take a commanding lead in Group B.

Racing at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, the Omani crew — featuring 10 sailors from Oman Sail — showed outstanding consistency and control in the one-design SSL47 fleet, handling tight upwind battles and complex downwind manoeuvres with precision to remain unbeaten in the early stages of the ‘Road to Rio’ Asian Qualifier.

SSL Team Oman set the tone in Race 1 by breaking away early on the opening upwind leg, then sailing conservatively to protect their advantage and secure a clear victory. In Race 2, stronger winds tested the fleet, but the team stayed composed, executed clean manoeuvres and crossed the line first to complete a perfect opening day. The momentum continued on Day 2 as the Omani sailors again proved their dominance, sweeping both scheduled races to extend their flawless record and establish themselves as the team to beat in Group B.

The team is skippered by Nasser Al Mashari and includes Hussain Al Jabri, Yasser Al Rahbi, Ali Al Balushi, Akram Al Wahaibi, Haitham Al Wahaibi, Raad Al Hadi, Abdul Rahman Al Mashari, Ibtisam Al Salmi and Marwa Al Khaifi.

Skipper and team leader Nasser Al Mashari credited preparation and teamwork for the strong start.

“We have trained a lot, and that preparation helps us stay calm on board, even in tricky conditions,” he said. “Our focus was to keep things simple, use common sense, and execute each manoeuvre cleanly. Good communication across the whole crew was key. Everyone knew their role, and we focused on choosing the right moments to push and the right moments to stay conservative. That balance helped us avoid major mistakes.”

SSL Team Oman are competing in Group B against Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates, with only the group winners qualifying for the SSL Gold Cup finals in Brazil. Group A comprises Myanmar, the Philippines, South Korea and Vietnam.

Six Asian nations — Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and India — have already secured qualification for the SSL Gold Cup 2026 through the official SSL Nations Ranking, which is based on the performances of each country’s top sailors.

In total, 40 nations will contest the title of World Champion of Nations at the SSL Gold Cup finals in Brazil.

The SSL Gold Cup Asia Qualifier is organised in collaboration with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand. The event marks the first SSL Gold Cup qualifier to be staged in Asia.