Sultanate's sailing fraternity keenly followed the fortunes of two of the country’s yachts which were pitted against strong international fields in highly competitive nautical challenges. Musandam-Oman Sail, with two Omani crew members on board, took part in the gruelling Krys Ocean Race and the yacht finished a creditable fourth while BAE Systems, which also included Omani crew members among others, was involved in an intense battle in the Tour de France la Voile, a month-long race around that country. These latest excursions by its sailors are an indication of Oman’s great maritime prowess which, during the 18th and 19th centuries, enabled the country to exercise much influence on the high seas. And, by competing at the global level, Omani sailors are continuing the great traditions of their forebears; history records that Omani sailors navigated their ship all the way to China in the eighth century while another Omani vessel sailed from the island of Zanzibar to America in the 18th century.

And, among the many nautical initiatives and achievements in modern-day sailing is the shining example of the Jewel of Muscat, modelled along the lines of a ninth century craft, which sailed from Muscat to Singapore in 2010. It was indeed a demanding and adventure-filled journey during which the crew, led by Saleh Al Jabri, encountered some extreme conditions before docking at a port in Singapore. The hand-built vessel was presented as a gift to the people of Singapore, and it is a major attraction in the maritime museum there. The gesture marked Oman’s traditional way of nursing friendship and enhancing trade and people-to-people relations. And, the Sultanate’s sea-going adventures continue. Aboard Musandam-Oman Sail were Mohsin Al Busaidi, a highly decorated sailor from the Sultanate, who has the distinction of being the first Arab to sail non-stop around the world, and Fahad Al Hasni, another accomplished sailor. Skippered by well-known French yachtsman Sidney Gavignet Musandam-Oman Sail, an Omani Multi One Design 70 yacht, provided a tough challenge to its competitors in the 2012 Krys Ocean Race and added another glorious chapter to the Sultanate’s sailing history.

And, with BAE Systems running fourth overall in the Tour de France la Voile, Omani crew members Al Ahmer Ma’amari, Ali Al Balushi and Majid Al Mageni were adding to their experiences in the tough conditions against a top class field. A team comprising eight international and seven Omani sailors, led by stalwart Cedric Pouligny, were picked for this race which ends in the south of France at La Seyne sur Mer on July 26. We support the many initiatives of Oman’s sailing fraternity to continue the country’s rich sea-going legacy, and reaffirm our standing among notable maritime nations of the world. Efforts are made at the grassroots level with children learning the basics of sailing, and in due course of time they are able to attain higher levels. The latest example of this is the participation by an Omani team in the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship which is being held off the coast of Dublin. This will give the young sailors valuable international experience for future competitions.