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RC44 RACING – Oman Sail is preparing to roll out the red carpet to a host of influential sailing guests after Muscat, the capital of Oman, was selected as a venue for the prestigious RC44 regatta at the start of 2013.
Supported by some of the world’s leading business figures as owner/drivers and their star-studded sailing crews, the high-status RC44 circuit has become one of the most popular and competitive one-design classes in the sport.
The RC44 Championship Tour is now recognised as both a top sporting event and a platform for some high powered business networking, making it an ideal vehicle to advance Oman’s plans to drive forward economic development by attracting tourists to the Sultanate and encouraging foreign investment.
On the back of three consecutive years of hosting the Extreme Sailing Series, the RC44 regatta is set to take place from 30 January to 3 February 2013 at The Wave, Muscat.
“Our biggest challenge is to ensure the right sort of event for this calibre of individual. The Wave, Muscat is the home of Oman Sail with plenty of big boat berthing in the marina, our new sailing school plus all the technical and human resources facilities which made it an ideal venue,” said Issa Al Ismaili, Event Director at Oman Sail.
“Unlike the Extreme Sailing Series, there will be no public activities or race village but the focus will be on VIP hospitality which will revolve around the owners and their guests.
“So we are putting together a programme of social functions on and off the water, involving local dignitaries and sponsors, designed to showcase Oman.
“It is part of Oman Sail’s mission to promote the country both as tourism and inward investment destination so we are opening doors to new investment opportunities and longer term visions by welcoming RC44 owners, followers of the RC44 class and other high calibre individuals from the business world,” said Al Ismaili.
Up to 15 teams are expected to attend the five-day event, which will be the first of five RC44 regattas in 2013 with Italy, Sweden, Portugal and Spain also chosen as host countries.
Oman is fast becoming a favoured sailing destination both among professional and recreational sailors with the Extreme 40 events attracting worldwide attention and the recent announcement that the Laser World Championship will be raced out of Oman in 2013. The addition of the prestigious RC44 regatta, with its high calibre crews and state-of-the-art high performance boats, is set to strengthen Oman Sail’s reputation as an event host delivering professional, well-organised and highly rated sailing events.
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