Sailing Arabia
The race around
the Gulf

Currently in its 34th edition, the internationally renowned Tour de France à la Voile is one of the world’s most famous offshore sailing events. In early 2011 Oman Sail established a regional alternative, Sailing Arabia – The Tour, the first international sailing regatta that joined together the nations of the Gulf to race competitively around the region. Oman Sail has already started its preparations in order to organize the 2nd edition of the tour which will kick off in February 2012.

Visit the official website here: www.sailingarabiathetour.com

Teams from Bahrain, Qatar, Ras Al Khaimah and Oman fielded teams, the inclusion of the French crew on Team New Caledonia, who won last year’s Tour de France à la Voile, bolstered the fleet and proved that the region has something great to offer the wider world of international sailing.

Six teams participated in the first edition of Sailing Arabia – The Tour. The Bahraini national Layla Mohsin on board Team GAC Pindar was also among the participating teams as the first and only offshore female sailor to take part in the race.

6 boats competed in the first edition, in identical 10-metre Farr 30 boats meaning that skill and teamwork were the most important factors, not boat design and engineering.

At the end of each leg, the top three winners were awarded at a reception that was attended by officials and media representatives.

Results:

1st Team New Caledonia - France
2nd Oman Sail’s Renaissance - Oman
3rd Commercialbank Group - Oman
4th Team Ras Al Khaimah - UAE [Ras Al Khaimah]
5th Royal Navy of Oman - Oman
6th Team GAC Pindar - Bahrain