Muscat – Oman Sail is set to participate in the Suhar Festival this year, engaging in a youth sailing Ranking Race. This event will see 47 young sailors from Oman Sail's Sailing Schools demonstrate their prowess while also vying for positions in forthcoming regional and international regattas. Organized by Oman Sail under the auspices of the Oman Maritime Sports Committee, the Rankin Race is scheduled to occur over the weekend of 29-30 November 2024 at Jubilee Park in Suhar.
The competition will feature races in the Optimist, ILCA 4, and ILCA 6 categories, encompassing both male and female young sailors. This provides a unique opportunity for participants to assess their progress for the season and learn from their peers. Additionally, the top-performing sailors will be considered for selection into the National Sailing Team for upcoming competitions.
Ahmed Nasser Al Qasmi, the Head of Sailing Schools at Oman Sail and the Team Leader, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "We are delighted to be a part of the Suhar Festival, showcasing the sport of sailing to the community and festival attendees. Our young sailors at the Sailing Schools are exceptionally talented and dedicated to excelling both on and off the water. This event offers them a platform to display their skills, engage in friendly competition, and share their experiences with the local community."
The racing schedule will commence at 11 am on both days, with an awards ceremony following the concluding race on the 30th. Awards will be presented to the top three overall in each category, as well as the top three Optimist Girls and Optimist Junior. Each day will feature a maximum of three races per class.
The Suhar Festival, which kicked off on 19 November 2024, is set to conclude on 3 January 2025, offering a diverse array of attractions. These include theatrical performances, a water park, an electronic games city, sports tournaments, and a heritage village that highlights the region's Bedouin, agricultural, and marine traditions.