Muscat Regatta, Oman - A Warmhearted winter venue

by Louay Habib on 15 Nov 2010 Now in its second year, the Muscat Regatta has two days of well-managed dinghy racing, in a spectacular location. 49 dinghies, ranging from the Viper Catamaran to RS QB’A dinghies, enjoyed some brilliant racing in the crystal clear waters just outside the safe confines of Marina Bandar al-Rowhda. The modern, well-equipped and friendly marina is just a few miles outside historic Muscat, the capital city of Oman, which boasts a wealth of first class hotels and a substantial international airport.

Oman Sail has established worldwide recognition by winning the eXtreme 40 Class for the last two seasons. However there is much more depth to the Omani initiative than the just elite racing. The Muscat Regatta is a big part of Oman’s long-term commitment to developing sailing as a sport.

The Muscat Regatta is very much geared towards promoting the grass roots of racing in Oman. The vast majority of competitors are young Omanis, mostly in their teenage years, who aspire to join the elite sailors that the country is now producing. Members of the PDO Club in Muscat and the Omani Royal Navy, also took part.

The event was managed by GWM Racing, which has a wealth of experience, gained from organising regattas such as Oyster Regattas and Antigua Race Week. Experienced volunteers from Oman Sail assisted GWM Racing, providing eight excellent races, for all classes, on windward leeward courses, just outside the Bandar al Rowhda Marina.

An offshore breeze ranging from 10-15 knots, with a slight sea-state, combined with tropical air temperatures to provide near perfect race conditions. Make no mistake, this was a very competitive regatta, raced on professionally laid courses, with at times testing conditions. For some, this was their first taste of competitive sailing, for others it was a nerve jangling trial, to decide who would most likely join the elite squad at Oman Sail and there were considerable cash prizes at stake.

Eight catamarans enjoyed some thrilling racing, powered up in decent breeze. Dave Clark and Victoria Grainger from the PDO Sailing Club in Muscat won the Multi-hull Class. They were pushed all the way by two of Oman Sail’s young aspiring multi-hull sailors, Sulaiman and Abdul Atif. The Thirteen boat, Laser Class supported by Aston Martin Oman, went right to the wire, Musab Al Hadi winning on the last race, by just half a point. from Majid Al Mageni. These two young sailors showed great skill and discipline and should be stars of the future for Oman Sail. Hamza Soluh has obviously listened to his father, who coaches at Oman Sail. The sixteen year old won the Q’BA Class, but there was a titanic battle for second place, which had to be decided on count back. The Q’BA Class was the biggest fleet at the regatta, with 25 competitors, ranging from experienced adults to young novices.

Marina Bandar al-Rowhda offers substantial cash prizes at the Muscat Regatta The class winners walked away with just under 1000 euros each, which is probably equal to the cost of the airfare from Europe and local accommodation. There were also significant cash prizes for podium finishes.

The prizes were awarded by His Excellency, Rashad bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Hinai, Under Secretary Minister of Commerce and Industry and Saif Al Shibly from the Ministry of Tourism. Attendance by senior Government officials was a strong indication that Oman is fully commitment to the Muscat Regatta.

Mr. Saleem Q. Al Zawawi, Chairman of Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, described the regatta as; the future of sailing in Oman and expressed his delight to see some many young sailors participating. After the prizes were awarded, competitors were treated to a gala dinner and an excellent rock band, providing a lively finale, to a very successful and enjoyable regatta.

Regatta sponsor, Oman Air operates regular non-stop flights from major European destinations. Whilst Europe is in the depths of winter, Oman is blessed with a temperate climate that is a joy to experience. Oman has over a thousand miles of Indian Ocean coastline providing excellent sailing but there is much more to explore. Oman has some of the best diving sites in the world and 14 conservation areas, making it a unique eco-tourism location.

The people of Oman are extremely friendly and the vast majority speaks English to a high standard. Omanis have a fun-loving nature and foreign nationals are made very welcome. If you fancy trying out a new venue, for some fantastic winter racing and explore a friendly and amazing country in the process, then the Muscat Regatta is well worth considering.

http://www.muscatregatta.com