MUSCAT: The final stop on the Oman Sailing Festival, a nationwide tour organised by Oman Sail to introduce local communities the length and breadth of the coastline, concluded in Musandam with participation of more than 20 SMEs and over 780 people taking the chance to Try Sailing, Try Windsurfing and Try Kitesurfing over the four days.
Held at Bassa public beach, Oman Sail’s professional instructors welcomed potential sailors of all ages for an introductory lesson and take the first step towards a life on the water. Even more people from Musandam and the surrounding area visited the festival to see the wide range of traditional delicacies, arts, crafts, and souvenirs for sale courtesy of local SMEs.
Ali al Sheheimi, Oman Sailing Festival Project Manager, said, “This was a fantastic place to conclude a really impactful Oman Sailing Festival. For the past two months, we have visited coastal communities to share the possibilities that sailing can offer – whether competitively or as a leisure activity. Sailing has been an important part of Oman’s history and traditions, and it has been Oman Sail’s mission for the past 14 years to reignite this maritime heritage.”
“We are very pleased with the enthusiasm of everyone at each stop this year and are very proud to offer SMEs the chance to show their capabilities and reach a new audience. Planning for 2023 edition will begin soon and we will be looking to build on the success of this year to offer an even bigger event next year,” he added.
The Oman Sailing Festival has also helped share an important environmental message at each stop by organising a beach clean-up, run in partnership with Environment Society of Oman (ESO). In Musandam, more than 60 people – including community volunteers, and Oman Sail staff – helped to remove waste from the shores and preserve the natural habitat for native wildlife.
The Oman Sailing Festival was supported by Oman Air, National Mineral Water Company (Tanuf), Environment Society of Oman (ESO), and National University of Science and Technology (International Maritime College).
Source: Oman Observer