Close of racing on day two of the Extreme Sailing Series Asia in Hong Kong saw both Oman teams maintain their positions in the top three. Unfortunately Masirah were relegated from the top spot by Team BT after a protest hearing in the first race saw The Wave, Muscat being disqualified. The Wave, Muscat stay in third place but received a setback after a collision yesterday that saw their points taken away for one race.

It was unseasonably cold weather that greeted the two teams representing Oman in the first leg of the Asian Extreme Sailing Series Asia in Hong Kong. The backdrop of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour sets an impressive sight for the six boats competing on the same Extreme 40 catamarans as the European iShares Cup that Oman Sail's Masirah won by the narrowest of margins in Spain, only six weeks ago.

With the smell of concrete dust in the still air, the young recruits rolled into "docking out mode" as if on military manoeuvres. With few words and ant like efficiency, the Oman Sail team folded sail covers, untied fenders and loaded food and water. Just before we pushed off the dock the whole boat was given a refreshing spray from a hosepipe to shed the dust from the concrete jungle that consumes Bahrain; I don't think I have ever been to a place that is changing so quickly in front of your eyes.

With the smell of concrete dust in the still air, the young recruits rolled into "docking out mode" as if on military manoeuvres. With few words and ant like efficiency, the Oman Sail team folded sail covers, untied fenders and loaded food and water. Just before we pushed off the dock the whole boat was given a refreshing spray from a hosepipe to shed the dust from the concrete jungle that consumes Bahrain; I don’t think I have ever been to a place that is changing so quickly in front of your eyes.

Oman Sail are looking for determined, fit, young Omanis, both male & female, to join our full-time (and salaried) sailing team in order to develop the skills required to become instructors, compete on the international stage and to re-ignite Oman's maritime heritage. Applicants need to have an Omani passport and be able to speak either English OR Arabic. Do you know someone who wants a new challenge? Pass the message on!!

Since departing Rio de Janeiro on an overcast and rainy morning, Ahmed Al Maamari and Abdullah Al Busaidi, find themselves in cold and windy conditions. It was an uncharacteristic start to the day in Rio when Ahmed joined his crewmembers on Uniquely Singapore and Abdullah joined his on Qingdao, the two yachts they are competing on.

Ahmed Al Maamari and Abdullah Al Busaidi enjoy brief stop in Brazil Before Departing For South Africa After sailing a grueling 4,890 miles from the west coast of France through rainstorms, gale force winds and dead calm seas Ahmed and Abdullah reached Rio de Janeiro to a warm samba welcome. After more than 28 days at sea both sailors were more than ready put their feet on solid ground and enjoy a few days of rest in this vibrant city famous for rhythmic music, perfect weather and welcoming people. Several hundred people came out to welcome first Ahmed on board his yacht, Uniquely Singapore, and a day later, Abdullah on his yacht, Qingdao.

The Clipper Race - Race 2 from La Rochelle to Rio de Janeiro, officially ended at 12.00 GMT Friday following an issuing of amended Sailing Instructions which were received by the fleet 24 hours ago. Teams that had already crossed the finish line will be awarded the relevant finishing position, while the others will be awarded the position based on their distance to finish as of noon GMT. Team Finland, Spirit of Australia and Jamaica Lightning Bolt took the three podium positions, with Cape Breton Island and Cork, Ireland also crossing the finish line this morning.

After four months of assembly in Oman's southern most port of Salalah, skipper Paul Standbridge has been stretching the legs of Oman Sail's new Arabian 100 (A100) trimaran during sea-trials off the Omani coast. Now named Majan, after the ancient name for Oman, Oman Sail's new flagship is now operational and is heading into the Gulf and a tour of neighbouring countries.