Oman’s Ministry of Tourism has announced its full support for Team Muscat 2012 in the 2nd Sailing Arabia – The Tour (SATT) sailing regatta which kicked off on February 12, 2012 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The sponsorship forms part of promotional activities related to Muscat’s selection as the Arab Capital for Tourism in 2012. The tour was established in 2011 by Oman Sail to inspire young Omanis to take up sailing as both a recreational and a competitive sport. It is a regional alternative to the renowned Tour de France à la Voile, one of the world’s top offshore sailing events.
Mohsin Al Busaidi, Team Captain of the Omani team holds the honor of being the first Arab sailor to complete a non-stop tour around the world in a sail boat.
Of the 9 participating teams, 4 are from Oman and the others are from France, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. Only Farr 30 class racing yachts, the same vessel type as the French tour, can compete. Opening ceremonies were held on February 12, 2012 at Bahrain’s Amwaj Marina. The first stage of the race, from Bahrain to Qatar, has seen Oman Sail face some difficulty early on, with the team trailing in 8th place. The team aim to improve their standing in the coming stages of the race. Further races were held in The Pearl Marina Qatar on February 14 and today, 18 February, in Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club, UAE. Later stops include Al Hamra Marina Yacht Club (UAE – February 21), and Zighy Marina (Oman – February 24). Oman Ministry of Tourism will host media roundtables to be held a day before the departure of the boats to each race destination. Awards ceremonies will be held on February 27, 2012 at Mussanah Marina, Oman’s newest marina located 85 km northwest of Muscat.
“We are not just sponsoring a boat, we are honoring Oman’s rich maritime heritage which traces back to as early as the Bronze Age, when we were already considered a major seafaring nation. The regatta will bolster the development of professional sailing in the Arabian Peninsula and will also show to the world Oman’s maritime attractions and capabilities. Moreover, it complements our plans to showcase Muscat’s various leisure, sports, travel and adventure attractions this year as Arab Tourism Capital 2012. We call on the citizens and Oman residents to lend their support to our team and follow their progress as they compete with some of the world’s best,” Haitham Mohammed Ghasani, Director of Tourism Promotion, Oman Ministry of Tourism, said.
The Ministry plans to build five additional marinas starting in 2020 to provide more support for local yachting activities. For its part, Oman Sail aims to train a future Olympic sailing team.
With around 3,000 km of natural coastline, Oman is a popular venue for recreational and competitive sailing. The period from October to March offers ideal temperatures and sea conditions for amateur and professional sailing.