Record entry for The Muscat Regatta

Calum McKie's Boracic: winner of the 2011 Bank of Beirut Chairman's Cup © Boracic

Now in its fourth year, The Muscat Regatta is well established as the premier open sailing event in the Middle East. There has been a growing development of yacht racing in the region and The Muscat Regatta is a celebration of offshore and inshore racing for a huge variety of amateur sailors, both from Oman and overseas. Expertly managed by the highly experienced GWM Racing team, the regatta has gone from strength to strength with a record entry competing this year.

RORC Dubai to Muscat: Starts 17th November 2012

The build up to the regatta starts with 21st Dubai to Muscat Race, organised by the United Arab Emirates Sailing and Rowing Federation. This historic 360nm race has now achieved recognition by the UK's prestigious Royal Ocean Racing Club and therefore ranks alongside all other RORC recognised offshore races. An international fleet of Rally Class, performance cruisers and racing yachts will be taking part.

Dubai based communications company, Xtra-Link has equipped the yachts with the latest satellite communications equipment. Including satellite phones and also hi-tech satellite tracking devices. Allowing race fans, all over the world, to watch the race live, as it unfolds.

Passing through the shallows of the Arabian Gulf and into the deep water of the Indian Ocean via the Straits of Hormuz. The route from Dubai to Muscat is definitely a challenging one with awe-inspiring scenery.

The Muscat Regatta: 22-23 November 2012

The fourth edition of The Muscat Regatta has the same format, two days of inshore dinghy and keelboat racing. This year's entry list is expected to be double the size of last year with more than 100 dinghies and keelboats expected to take part. Classes include: Optimists, Q'BA's, Lasers, Hobie Cats and Weta Class Trimarans.

The Muscat Regatta is hosted by Oman's premium marina, Bandar Al Rowdha. Established in 1996, Marina Bandar Al Rowdha is just a few miles outside the capital city. Located in a truly beautiful setting amidst the Sultanate's crystal-clear waters, the marina has extensive dinghy and keelboat facilities. A fully licensed restaurant, bar and swimming pool is available to all participants and will be the setting for The Muscat Regatta Prize Giving.

Bank of Beirut Chairman's Cup: Starts 24th November 2012

A record entry is expected for the Muscat to Khasab Race, which offers one of the richest cash prizes for a yacht race of its kind, anywhere in the world. The Bank of Beirut has repeated their generous prize fund of US$50,000 for the 240-mile offshore race to Khasab. A final lavish prize giving, set in the remote mountain region of Musandam, will bring the event to a memorable conclusion.

For more information visit: www.muscatregatta.com