Hundreds gathered at Al Qurum beach yesterday to witness the first 'Red Bull Sinbad' regatta powered by the team at Oman Sail. The event included a regatta for both male and female sailors and offered 'Try Sailing' to the public. Over 200 children went out sailing for the first time yesterday so we are hoping for many new converts to the sport.
The event was also attended by Omani sailor Khamis Al Anbouri who had just arrived flown home from Europe. Khamis, became a national icon after winning the Extreme Sailing Series Europe 2010 title. He headed straight to Al Qurum beach with his trophy to sail with them and hand over the prizes.
40 participants from all over Oman gathered at Al Qurum beach to take part in this thrilling event. On the gun, they all pushed their boats out from the beach, sailed out and round the markers before heading back to the beach where the sailors sprinted up the sand to the finish.
So who are the faces to watch out for in the future. 15 year old, Ya’arab Al Jabri, clinched the title of 'Red Bull Sinbad' – Fiadh Al Jabri came second and Mohamed Al Mashari came third. Among the young female sailors Uhood Al Hosni 16 years old took first place, Sarah Al Wehaibi, second and Yara Al Wihaibi came third.
"I am more than proud today; the race was extremely challenging, but thank God I was able to win", said delighted Ya’arab "Red Bull Sinbad is a very exciting and tough competition and for sure I will participate next time.”
Khamis had also expressed his joy of celebrating this win with the young sailors, he added: “This is what its all about! To bring sailing closer to the crowd and share this great sport that our country has always been associated with. Oman is now been strongly positioned in the global map of sailing and to see these young ambitious sailors compete locally adds to my victory. I dedicate my win in Europe to all the Omani people and specially to our young sailors today and it is my dream to see them become the champions of tomorrow and bring more trophies to the Sultanate“
During the event, a committee of professional sailors from Oman Sail including Chief Instructor Saleh Al Jabri and Sailing School Director Neil Coxon was judging the event based on defined rules and regulations.
Commenting on the race, Al Jabri said: “Obviously, the sport of sailing is spreading across the Sultanate rapidly. This showed through the participants' excitement and the unique performances we witnessed today. We are happy to see Khamis back home after this great achievement and I am pleased to see both Red bull and Oman Sail teams working together in bringing sailing closer to the public and encouraging the youth to engage in this sport. Finally, congratulations to Ya'arab for his win today."
