Dubai to Muscat Race yachts banned from Omani waters

by Martin Croucher, The National on 15 Nov 2010 Dubai-Muscat Race - For the first time in its 17-year history, the Dubai to Muscat sailing race has become an Emirates-only affair after Oman mysteriously banned racers from entering its waters at the last minute. Sailors were forced to take an alternative route after being warned that no boat should enter Omani waters in the course of the race, which will take about four days. The race was scheduled to start at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) and pass through the Strait of Hormuz before reaching Muscat.

Keith Mutch, from the DOSC, which organised the event, said the race began as scheduled, but with an alternative route. 'It was completely last minute,' Mr Mutch said. 'We were told that we would find out why it was cancelled in due course. They said that no boat should enter Omani waters.' The announcement was made on the DOSC's website on Thursday, immediately after the club was informed of the changes by Muscat's Marina Bander Al Rowdha, where the boats were scheduled to finish.

Bob Looker, the manager of the marina, said that he had not been given the reason for the cancellation from officials from Oman's ministry of sports affairs. 'We were only told that it wouldn't happen,' Mr Looker said. 'It's hugely disappointing for DOSC and for us as well,' he said. 'There's nothing we can do about it.'


Full story:
http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/dubai-to-muscat-race-yachts-banned-from-omani-waters