It is the first time in the event's history that it has been held in Asia, with the Gulf nation winning the bid to host in November 2020.

Competition is due to take place at the Barcelo Mussanah Resort and is the first stop for many towards qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Nacra 17 fleet includes 2019 world champions Maelle Frascari and Vittorio Bissaro of Italy and Olympic silver medallists John Gimson and Anna Burnet of Britain.

A showdown in the 49erFX class is expected between world gold medallists Brazil's Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze and European champions Emma Siewers and Odile van Aanholt of The Netherlands.

The teams of Łukasz Przybytek and Paweł Kołodziński of Poland and Austrians Benjamin Bildstein and David Hussl both featured at the Olympics and are among the top names in the 49er class, along with British duo and former world number one James Peters and Fynn Sterritt.

"In this shortened cycle ahead of the Paris 2024 Games, every regatta is important," said Ben Remocker, 49er class manager. 

"With such a strong and varied fleet, the competition should be fierce throughout the week.

"Oman is an ideal host venue, and a great choice for the first 49er, 49erFX and Nacra the World Championships to be held within Asia. 

"On behalf of the class, I wish all of the competitors the very best of luck as they take the first steps on the road to Paris 2024."

Competition is scheduled to end on Sunday (November 21).