Jazi Al Mehairbi Makes History as First Emirati Woman to Compete in SSL 47 Yacht Racing

Emirati sailor Jazi Al Mehairbi has made history by becoming the first Emirati woman to officially compete in the SSL 47 yacht racing class, marking a major milestone for the UAE national sailing team and the country’s growing presence in offshore yacht racing.

The 28-year-old athlete achieved the breakthrough during the Southeast Asia Games held in Thailand last month, where she joined the UAE’s newly formed offshore crew in the 47-foot yacht category, according to Emarat Al Youm. The competition forms part of the qualification pathway towards the 2026 Sailing World Championship in Brazil.

Al Mehairbi raced alongside eight male teammates, helping place the UAE on the competitive map in a discipline traditionally dominated by experienced international crews. The SSL 47 class is known for its technical complexity, physical demands and reliance on precise teamwork over extended offshore races.

“I never hesitated,” Al Mehairbi said in an interview. “When the opportunity came to be part of this team and represent the UAE in a new class, I knew it was a challenge worth taking.”

From coastal sailing to offshore competition

Al Mehairbi began her sailing career six years ago at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, where she trained in the ILCA 6 class and built international experience through national team competitions. Her transition into offshore yacht racing came last year after an invitation from world champion sailor Adel Khaled to help form a new SSL 47 team.

The move required adapting to a new racing format and integrating into a high-intensity, male-dominated offshore crew environment. Preparation included a 10-day training camp in Switzerland in August, where the team tested equipment and competed against established squads, including the Seychelles national team.

Strong debut in Thailand

During the Thailand event, the UAE competed in the second group and finished runners-up behind Oman, a result Al Mehairbi described as encouraging as the team builds momentum ahead of future international qualifiers.

Ocean racing presents unique challenges, with competitions often lasting several days and requiring constant coordination, endurance and rapid tactical decision-making.

“Being the only woman on board meant I had to work twice as hard,” she said. “Every decision matters, from trimming the sail to reading the water. You have to stay sharp at all times.”

Balancing elite sport and professional life

Al Mehairbi credits institutional support for women in UAE sports, as well as flexibility from her employer at Khalifa Port Free Zone, for enabling her to balance professional responsibilities with elite training demands.

Her weekly schedule includes four strength and conditioning sessions and up to four hours of daily sea training. She also draws on experience gained in inclusive international competitions, including the 2023 World Games in Berlin, where she competed with the UAE Special Olympics sailing team and contributed to a bronze medal finish.

Eyes on Olympic ambition

With international qualifiers ahead and the 2026 Sailing World Championship on the horizon, Al Mehairbi remains focused on long-term goals at the highest level of the sport.

“The UAE has everything it needs to reach Olympic sailing,” she said. “Whether in ILCA 6 or another class, my goal is clear. Every athlete dreams of the Olympic Games, and I intend to keep working until that dream is within reach.”

Her historic SSL 47 debut marks not only a personal achievement, but also a significant step forward for Emirati representation in offshore yacht racing on the global stage.