RNZYS sign partnership with Sultanate of Oman Tourism
by Sail-World.com on 22 Apr 2015
Sultanate of Oman Tourism will sponsor one of the Lion Foundation RNZYS Elliott 7 fleet used by the Youth Program Doyle Sails NZ
Sultanate of Oman Tourism has finalised an exciting sponsorship of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron's Elliott-7 training boats - one of the most sought after training yacht in the world.
Every weekend from May-March for the next 3-years, Oman-branded Gennakers will power the Squadron’s entire fleet of Elliott-7s around Auckland’s harbour, as well as during the largest match racing regattas in New Zealand. Additionally, one of the Elliott-7s will be completely Oman-branded – a true flagship for Oman in New Zealand.
Mona Tannous, Country Manager Sultanate of Oman Tourism - Australia & New Zealand, commemorated the sponsorship, explaining 'Oman's connections with the sea and sailing run deep. From the legend of Sinbad, to the huge ocean-going wooden dhows that have set out from Oman plying trade and making regional connections for centuries.
'Oman has a proud maritime history and a contemporary sailing culture ', Ms Tannous continued, 'as evidenced by the Sultanate's involvement in the Extreme Sailing Series and the development of Oman Sail - established in 2008 by Royal Decree to rekindle Oman’s maritime heritage, promote Oman around the world and provide long-term learning opportunities for the youth of Oman. We envisage this sponsorship opening doors for young sailors in the Oman Sail youth program to hone their skills in New Zealand and vice versa by exchange - connecting cultures through a shared passion for sailing.”
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is one of the most respected and recognized yacht clubs in the world with an unparalleled record of global yacht racing success, winning every major title in the sailing world including the Volvo Ocean Race, America’s Cup and World Match Racing Tour.
RNZYS General Manager Hayden Porter is thrilled with the partnership, commenting “We’re very excited about this partnership. RNZYS is home of sailing in New Zealand and we share a common bond with Oman who have a long history of sailors. This partnership will assist us greatly in creating more and more champion sailors.”
Success of the 27 year old RNZYS Youth Training Program has come through intensive and practical instruction in the skill and science of competitive sailing. Young Men and Women between 15 to 23 years aspiring to be the world’s best are accepted only after an application and interview process.
Graduates of the Youth Training Programme have gone on to reach the highest level of world sailing, also including the America’s Cup, Volvo Ocean Race and World Match Racing Tour, and with many graduates currently ranked amongst the top sailors in the world.
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