Inaugural Muscat Khasab race voted outstanding success

by Louay Habib on 15 Dec 2009 Winning teams of inaugural Muscat Khasab race receive $55,000 prize money from title sponsor Bank of Beirut.

The first ever sailing regatta held at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha last weekend was voted an outstanding success by the hundreds of visitors and participants that turned out to give their support to an event that looks set to put sailing in the Sultanate firmly on the international maritime map.

The Muscat regatta 2009 started with a two-day event that saw Muscat’s watersports enthusiasts put their sailing skills to the test in twenty one short, professionally organised races around buoys near the marina. Twenty teams competed in dinghy and Hobie Cat races with the winners enjoying some fantastic prizes and of course the prestige of being the first winners in this annual event.

The highlight of the regatta was the much talked about Muscat to Khasab race, Bank of Beirut Chairman’s Cup, which involved eight crews of serious sailing enthusiasts from Oman and Dubai, setting off from the Capital and racing to Khasab in the Musandam.

After three days at sea, the crews of Al Uqab, Susan Margaret and Musandam won respectively the IRC, Rally and Multihull Classes. The deserved winners shared the generous $55,000 prize fund, which was kindly donated by title sponsor, Bank of Beirut. Team Uqab, from the Royal Navy of Oman, was the overall winner and lifted the new Chairman’s Cup for 2009.

With Oman aiming to increase the profile of sailing in the Sultanate through events such as this, the Muscat to Khasab Race is expected to become the largest sailing race in the GCC over the next few years.

Mr Saleem Q. Al Zawawi, Chairman of Marina Bandar Al Rowdha said, 'We have had great feedback from attendees and participants of the event, all of whom said how professionally organised and, most importantly, what a great deal of fun this regatta was. Sailing used to be a major hobby for many Omanis and expatriates and the aim of the Regatta has been to put some of that enthusiasm and excitement back into the sport and who knows, encourage a new generation of national sailing champions!'

At the end of the race, the boats were all greeted in Khasab by cheering crowds, as well as Oman’s Minister of Tourism, Her Excellency Dr. Rajiha other dignitaries, government officials and key sponsors like Bank of Beirut, Oman Air, NFC and Apex Group.

'At Bank of Beirut we believe that our involvement in the Regatta has provided us with an excellent way to contribute to the local community. We are very proud of this event, especially considering the fact that Muscat abd Beirut share centuries of maritime heritage together', said Remy Zambarakji, Managing Director of Bank of Beirut-Oman Branches. 'On behalf of everyone at Bank of Beirut, we extend our best wishes to each and everyone of the crews whom participated in this hugely successful race, and we wish the teams the best of luck in next year’s race; the Muscat Khasab Bank of Beirut Chairman’s Cup 2010.'

For further information on the race and its winners visit www.marinaoman.net