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12.03.11

55 qualified Omani instructors by 2015

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Oman Sail is rapidly moving forward with plans to open five more sailing schools in Oman and to have 55 Omani sailing instructors by 2015.There are now 26 international-qualified Omani sailing instructors working in the two operational sailing schools in Mussanah Sports City and Marina Bander Al Rowdha. These are in addition to the Oman Sail base at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa where Omani instructors teach hotel guests to sail. 

Oman Sail is reaching out to hear from Omanis who strive for a career in the maritime industry, who want to be a part of a local programme with global aspirations. As more sailing schools open, and as the business grows, employment opportunities will be available for Omanis who want to work on the water as a sailor or instructor, on the shore as part of the boat management team or in the Oman Sail offices. Oman Sail's local investment will also provide opportunities in tourism through our hotel-based sailing initiatives, of which Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa is the first, closely followed by the Millennium Hotel with more hotels showing more than a passing interest in a similar undertaking.

Neil Coxon, Oman Sail's Director of Training, said, "Our training programmes provide valuable skills and experience to Omanis. We are proud of our talented team who work across all areas of the business, from instructors to training to management to head-office staff. Oman Sail is playing an important role in the exciting development of a new maritime industry in Oman. We are a local company with has an international reputation of excellence and we are the flag bearers of a new wave of international tourists who are attracted to Oman for the key factors that Oman Sail strive to impart."

In September 2010 Oman Sail ran a selection campaign offering residents of Musannah the chance to apply for positions at the new local sailing school. Nine people were selected and soon started their training in the established and busy sailing school in Marina Bander Al Rowdha. The Musannah sailing school opened in February 2011, and is being run by a team of nine Omani, operational staff and instructors.

 "The opening of the Musannah sailing school has given great opportunities locally, not just for employment but for all the young people who are now learning to sail at the centre, it gives great satisfaction knowing they are learning new skills they will have for the rest of their lives, but also to see them doing it with smiles on their faces!" said Ali Hashem, local resident of Musannah who was one of the first groups of parents to bring their children along to one of the try Sailing sessions offered by Oman Sail.

Some Oman Sail employees have taken the step to further qualify as Omani Senior Instructors of which there are now five in place. With an inspection application for international recognition of the Omani National Sail Training programme being worked on with ISAF , the sport of Sailings International Governing body, these Omani Senior Instructors are a vital part of Oman Sail's national programme to develop it's own Instructor training qualifications and national learn to sail syllabus.

"As an Omani Senior Instructor I competently organise and manage sailing courses, on-the-water group sailing tuition and supervising and assisting fellow sailing instructors. It's great to see Oman Sail giving such a diverse range of skills to their employees and I would recommend that people come and find out more about the opportunities available to then - I couldn't have a better job!" Mohammed Al Bulushi, Senior Instructor, Centre Manager, Musannah Sailing School."

Three years ago Khamis Al Anbouri had never been on a sailing boat before, never mind won one of the biggest sailing competitions in the world. Mohsin Al Busaidi was a self-confessed beginner before he became the first Arab to sail around the world non-stop and Saleh Al Jabri could never have guessed that within two years he would have beat a world-class French racing team in a race from Bahrain to Qatar. Feats such as these are possible for sailors at Oman Sail and they are looking for more heroes in waiting and role models to be.

Oman Sail now has qualified 47 sailors across Oman and is now looking for the fastest, strongest, most dedicated sportsmen and women who can combine their physical prowess with mental strength to become part of the elite group of sailors that represent Oman and its rich maritime heritage.