Thailand’s Sorawit Naksuk Wins 2025 Optimist Championship

Under the patronage of Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, Minister of Information, the 2025 Asian & Oceanian Optimist Championship came to a close in the Wilayat of Al Musnaah, Oman. The event, hosted in the South Al Batinah Governorate, brought together 162 young sailors from 25 nations, showcasing top-level youth sailing talent from across Asia and Oceania.

Throughout the championship, the sailors competed across several categories in varying wind conditions, testing both their skill and endurance. The event provided an excellent platform for young athletes to demonstrate their sailing abilities and foster friendships across borders. Each day saw close battles on the water, as teams aimed for top honors in both individual and group events.

The closing ceremony celebrated the achievements of participants, with awards presented across nine categories. The highlight was the announcement that Sri Lanka would host the next edition of the Asian & Oceanian Optimist Championship in 2026, continuing the tradition of promoting sailing excellence among youth in the region.

In the Nations Cup competition, Team USA clinched first place with consistent performances throughout the event. Argentina fielded two strong teams, with Argentina 2 taking second and Argentina 1 finishing third. The teamwork and strategy displayed by these teams earned them recognition among peers and coaches alike.

Singapore’s sailing team once again demonstrated its regional dominance. Singapore 1 captured the combined Asian & Oceanian Teams title, earning the prestigious permanent International Sailing Federation (ISAF) trophy. Thailand followed closely in second place, and Singapore 2 rounded out the top three. The victory added another milestone to Singapore’s long history of success in youth sailing.

In the individual continental awards, Thailand’s Sorawit Naksuk claimed the title of Best Asian Sailor, showing remarkable consistency and tactical skill. Singapore’s Ethan Chia finished second, while his compatriot Anya Chia secured third. For Oceania, Australia’s William Harris was named Best Oceanian Sailor, followed by fellow Australian Balthazar Roche in second and New Zealand’s Geoffrey Doo in third.

The championship also honored top female sailors for their achievements. Singapore’s Anya Zahedi was named Best Female Sailor across Asia and Oceania, receiving the permanent ISAF Cup. China’s Yuxuan Li came second, and India’s Shreya Krishna Lakshminarayanan finished third. Their performance reflected the growing strength and confidence of female athletes in the sport.

The competition across the fleet divisions was equally thrilling. In the Bronze Fleet, Japan’s Soki Higuchi took first place, followed by Kaito Nakamura, also from Japan, while Oman’s Tarteel Al Hasani earned third. The Silver Fleet saw Kornelija Bajak of the UAE claim the top spot, Simon Katz of Argentina in second, and Roberta de Oliveira Horn of Brazil in third.

The Gold Fleet, the most prestigious category of the championship, featured the event’s top sailors. Thailand’s Sorawit Naksuk emerged victorious, demonstrating exceptional control, composure, and skill throughout the races. Singapore’s Ethan Chia finished second, and Storm Haschke Kim from the United States secured third. The fierce competition reflected the global quality of young sailing talent.

The championship culminated in the announcement of Sorawit Naksuk as the overall 2025 Asian & Oceanian Optimist Champion. Having topped the Gold Fleet, he was awarded the permanent International Sailing Federation champion’s cup. His win was celebrated by fellow sailors and coaches as a result of dedication, training, and sportsmanship.

With the 2025 championship concluded successfully, all eyes now turn to Sri Lanka, the next host of the event in 2026. The success of Oman’s organization and the strong participation from across continents have set a high standard for future editions. The event once again proved how sailing builds unity, discipline, and respect among young athletes from different parts of the world.