Muscat – Five members of Oman Sail’s Optimist youth team participated alongside over 100 sailors from various Asian countries at The Admiral’s Cup 2025 in Thailand, with three securing top 10 finishes in their respective fleets. Khamis Nasser Al Mashaikhi achieved ninth place in the Gold fleet, while Hood Saad Al Nofli claimed victory in the Silver fleet, and his teammate Mohammed Ziyad Al Qasimi finished in fourth position.
Khamis Al Mashaikhi had a strong start, winning the first race and maintaining consistency throughout the competition, including a third-place finish in the eighth of eleven races. The top seven positions were dominated by local sailors from the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, showcasing a formidable performance from the host nation.
Oman's Hadeel Yousuf Al Mushaifri placed 35th out of 51 competitors, while Tarteel Zaid Al Hasani concluded the event in 47th. Both sailors gained significant experience as they continue to grow in their international sailing careers.
Hood Al Nofli demonstrated impressive resilience, bouncing back from a challenging start to secure six podium finishes in the last seven races, including three victories, ultimately winning the Silver fleet. Teammate Mohammed Al Qasimi narrowly missed a third-place finish but showed commendable progress throughout the regatta, achieving two podium finishes.
The Omani team was led by Hashim Al Rashdi, Team Leader, and Sultan Al Zadjali, Optimist Coach.
Hashim Al Rashdi remarked, “This was a fantastic experience for all five of our sailors. Each athlete is at a different stage in their development, so to conclude the Admiral’s Cup with a top ten finish in the Gold fleet, along with a victory and a fourth place in the Silver fleet, is commendable. We focused on tactics and mental preparation during training, and it was clear from their performances that the sailors recognized their strengths and were able to overcome challenges, approaching each race with renewed determination. We aim to build on these results in the upcoming season and are confident that the sailors will continue to progress.”
The Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya, Thailand, hosted the Admiral’s Cup 2025 from February 6 to 10.
The team will compete on behalf of Oman in various regattas this year, including the Winter Cup, the GCC Beach Games in April, the Oman Sailing Championships in August, and the 14th edition of Mussanah Race Week in October, as well as the IODA event scheduled for October-November in Oman.
