The Senior Delegation At The Inauguration Of The Jewel of Muscat
© Lloyd Images/Oman Sail
© Lloyd Images/Oman Sail
His Excellency Adelaziz Al Rawas underlined the importance that Oman’s heritage plays in modern Oman, as the distinguished party were shown over the ship, by saying that the inauguration was a start of the 40th anniversary celebrations in the history of Oman, and its relations with the outside world. He added, “We congratulate ourselves and the Singapore people for making this happen as Jewel of Muscat is an ambassador for Oman”.
Saleh Al Jabri, the Jewel of Muscat captain told the assembled guests; “ I keep thinking of how our forefathers used to sail the ancient ships and that with such a difficult journey ahead, I feel it remarkable to be part of an extraordinary journey. I feel great pride in being present at the ceremony and am looking forward to the voyage, projected for the 15th February, as the countdown to departure has now started“.
What became known as the Belitung wreck, found in 1998, dating back to the ninth century AD off the Indonesian coast spurred the idea of creating a similar vessel that became known as the Jewel of Muscat project. At 60foot (18m) long, the Jewel of Muscat was hand-built hull with 40,000 stitches and without one nail. It was successfully launched into the Oman Sea in Novembers 2009 and will depart from Muscat on her epic voyage to Singapore via India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The project was designed to deepen the cordial links between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Singapore, as well as fitting in with Oman’s strategy of giving its youth the opportunity to train in navigation and sailing techniques as an integral part of their national heritage.
After the ceremony the distinguished guests joined Senior Minister of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency, Goh Choc Tong for the start of the Extreme Sailing Series and cheered him on as he sounded the horn to start the week long races. The Oman teams from Oman Sail and The Wave battle with the China Team, BT, Andalucia and Red Bull in this finale of the Extreme Sailing Series Asia competition. The Jewel of Muscat and Oman’s flagship trimaran Majan were also present in the water showing the reignition of Oman’s maritime prowess that is now taking place in the Sultanate.
The distinguished guests will now be taking part in a gala dinner this evening at the Diplomatic Club to celebrate the forthcoming journey of the Jewel of Muscat to Singapore which is now scheduled, winds permitting, to take place on 15th February.
