Teams from around the world will descend on Muscat from February 1 to 5 to take part in the Grand Final of the Extreme Sailing Series Asia competition.
Six teams, racing radical 40-foot catamarans, started the battle for the inaugural title in Hong Kong at the end of November before heading to Singapore in mid-December.
Oman has the honour of closing out the series in February. Omani boats Masirah and The Wave are well placed in first and third position respectively, and hope to crown the achievements of these past few months with a good performance in front of the home crowd. “It’s the teamwork that makes us good.
Although we have four people sailing on each boat, and eight arms and legs between us, we work with one brain and know exactly what we should be doing. I’ve been watched by crowds all over the world, but I’ve been waiting two years for the opportunity to sail in Oman,” said Khamis al Anbouri of Oman Sail.
The lightweight Extreme 40 multi-hulls are built for speed and race close to the shore on tight, 15-minute races. The first three days of the competition will be dedicated to private guests with the international media present to cover the event. On February 4 and 5, the people of Muscat are invited to watch the races free of charge and revel in the Ext-reme Beach Party at Al Hail beach.
Five-a-side and street-style football and volleyball competitions will be held, as well as a number of sailing sessions for youngsters. Several organisations including the Ministry of Tourism, Muscat Municipality, The Wave Muscat and BAE Systems are backing the Oman Sail team.
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