Oman Sail to host top sailors from 21 countries during Musannah Race Week

Muscat: Some of the world's best young sailors are set to descend on Al Musannah Sports City for Musannah Race Week 2016, which for the first time will feature two new classes the Laser Radial and Laser 4.7.
Around 160 athletes, including girls Optimist world champion Jodie Lai from Singapore and last year's winner Daniel Ian Toh also from Singapore, will use the opportunity of Musannah Race Week to enjoy ideal sailing conditions combined with some intensive coaching.
A leadership and personal development session on the first day, run by Oman Sail Corporate and Personal Development team, will kick off a busy round of opportunities for sailors to share knowledge and tips which, for the less experienced youngsters, are rated as favourably as honing sailing skills on the water.
Among those athletes, who represent 21 nations, are around 51 young Omani sailors, plucked from Oman Sail's Youth Programme. Sailors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Kuwait are also set to descend to the shores of Musannah.
They will get a one off opportunity to fast track their racing careers by watching and imitating the more established sailors who also include the top ranked girl in Europe Ariadni Spanaki and her counterpart from North America, Mia Nicolosi.
"Whether their knowledge is picked up on the race course or in the boat park or from the coaching schedule, the experience will be invaluable," Mohsin Al Busaidi, who heads up Oman Sail's Youth Programme, said.
"Musannah Race Week is starting to feature on more and more racing schedules for youth coaches all over the world because it represents an opportunity for good competitive racing in great conditions at a world class venue.
“We started Musannah Race Week in 2011 as an Oman Sail event and have worked hard to make it one of the top world class contests for youth in the GCC and one that increasingly is recognised in the international calendar.
"We especially welcome our new Laser Radial and Laser 4.7 guests though a few might have raced here before since Musannah’s reputation as a first rate venue capable of hosting some of the sport's signature events is growing faster than we could ever have imagined.
"We are lucky enough to have an international fleet of Lasers here and are very proud to field a strong Omani contingent. We wish them all well."
Musannah Race Week will start on January 17 at Al Musannah Sports City and racing will begin on January 20, with a prize giving ceremony on January 23.
The event will serve as ideal preparation for the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships, due to be held in Musannah in December 2016, and give talented young sailors the chance to experience the venue and Omani waters ahead of the event.