Dubai to Muscat Race Prize Giving
by Louay Habib 24 Nov 2012 11:18 GMT
23 November 2012
The Gala Prize Giving for the Dubai to Muscat Race and the inshore regatta was hosted by The Chairman of the Muscat Regatta, Saleem Q. Al-Zawawi at Bandar Al Rowdha Marina. His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, the Minister of the Civil Service for Oman was the Guest of Honour, joined by His Excellency Ahmed bin Nasser bin Hamed Al Mahrizi, Ministry of Tourism and His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Bin Saqr Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Sailing & Rowing Federation.
The Chairman of the Muscat Regatta, Saleem Q. Al-Zawawi has been the driving force behind the regatta's success. In just four years, The Muscat Regatta has blossomed into an international event recognised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club. In his welcoming address, the Chairman encapsulated the aims and goals of The Muscat Regatta.
"The predominant feature of this year's regatta has again been the wonderful sportsmanship shown by all competitors. The future of yacht racing is in the hands of these youngsters and from what we have seen over the past two days, we have every reason to be optimistic about competitive sailing in Oman. What is more, sailing teaches our young children values in life such as: determination and above all a love for nature."
From its beginning, the Muscat Regatta has enjoyed the support of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sports Affairs in Oman and many sponsors have contributed to the success. Notably Oman's leading communications company Nawras and Oman Air but not forgetting; BAE Systems, Muriya Tourism, Aston Martin Oman, The Muscat Intercontinental Hotel, Eurocopter and MBDA France.
Prior to prizes being awarded for the inshore regatta, class winners of The Dubai to Muscat Race took the stage to receive their trophies. HH Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Bin Saqr Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Sailing & Rowing Federation had come to Muscat from the Emirate to congratulate the winners.
The prize giving was a joyous occasion with a steady stream of proud young Omanis and sailors from overseas, proudly collecting their awards with a partisan audience of 300 cheering every sailor, some as young as eight years of age. Probably the biggest cheer of the night was for the All-girl Farr 30 crew, Al Thuraya. Five of the eight-girl team are young Omani women and over six intense races, Al Thuraya was triumphant in the IRC division. Nawras CEO, Ross Cormack was on hand to welcome the team, an iPhone 5 was an additional prize but as the team was of eight, Nawras generously decided to give each one of the girls the latest smartphone.
With the inshore regatta completed, the organisers of The Muscat Regatta have turned their attention to the main Regatta event; The Muscat to Khasab Bank of Beirut Chairman's Cup race. This is the third edition of the 230-mile race. 13 Yachts competing under the RORC IRC system will be vying for a share of the $50,000 prize fund, generously donated by The Bank of Beirut.
The Royal Navy of Oman won the first race back in 2009 and return to compete along with last year's winner, Calum McKie's Boracic. This year sees the largest and most competitive fleet ever. David Worrall's Shahrazad is the inform yacht having won the Dubai to Muscat Race last week. Dee Caffari's all women team, with five Omani crew, make their debut offshore race.
GWM Racing will once again manage The Bank of Beirut Chairman's Cup Race to Khasab. Starting at noon on Saturday 24th November, the yachts are expected to reach Khasab over the next few days with a grand prize giving in the remote northern province of Oman scheduled for Wednesday, 28th November.
Dubai based communications company, Xtra-Link has equipped the yachts with the latest satellite communications equipment. Including Thuraya XT satellite phones and hi-tech tracking devices. Allowing race fans, all over the world, to watch the race live - visit www.xtra-track.com/regatta
For more information about the Muscat Regatta visit www.muscatregatta.com