Over 300 of the most influential decision makers in the sport of sailing from 100 countries worldwide are in Oman for the prestigious annual International Sailing Federation (ISAF) conference which is being hosted for the first time in the Middle East.
ISAF honorary president His Majesty King Constantine of Greece, current president Carlo Croce of Italy and officials of Oman’s Ministry of Sports Affairs, Oman Sail and Oman Sailing Committee will be among the high profile delegates representing international, regional and national federations and class associations meeting at the Shangrila Barr Al Jissah resort from 9 – 17 November.
The conference provides an opportunity for ISAF committees, sub committees and commissions to debate issues relating to sailing administration, racing and development of the sport. Recommendations are then presented to the ISAF Council who spend the final three days of the event deciding the resolutions to take the sport forward.
A highlight of the event is the esteemed annual Rolex ISAF Sailor of the Year Awards ceremony on 12 November at which the highest achievers in the sport are recognised. It has special significance for Oman this year as one of the country’s most accomplished sailors Raiya Al Habsi is one of four women nominees for sailings pinnacle global award.
His Excellency Rashad Al Hinai, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Sports Affairs and head of the Omani organising committee responsible for the conference said it was thanks to Oman Sail’s foresight that a bid to host the 2013 event was made as far back as 2010.
“The hosting of this high calibre ISAF Annual Conference constitutes a considerable boost to Oman’s economy. It raises our status as a sought after Meetings Incentives Conferencing and Exhibitions (MICE) venue and presents us with an unprecedented chance to showcase our world class marine industry, sailing venues and facilities to the most powerful decision makers in the sport.
“The positive impact on inbound tourism is significant as many of the key officials and celebrities have taken the opportunity to extend their stay and enjoy Oman’s warm and sunny winter.
“They will explore our high-end natural and cultural attractions, our magnificent deserts, mountains, seas and cities and we hope they will return many times again,” said Al Hinai.
The conference agenda also includes a dinner ceremony in honour of participating senior Omani officials and dignitaries, a visit to the Royal Opera House Muscat, a celebratory Dhow cruise and other special organised events and entertainment typical of the authentic hospitality so unique to Oman.
“The hosting of major conferences like this help turn the global spotlight on Oman and grow our credibility as a world class sports and sailing, tourism and foreign investment destination.”
Rashid Al Kindi, chairman of the Oman Sailing Committee and deputy head of the organizing committee said Oman’s new found standing in world sailing and recognition as a top destination with world class sailing venues and facilities was due to the far reaching successes of Oman Sail.
“This innovative national initiative that uses the power of sport to contribute to the development of the Omani people was only established in 2008 yet it has already inspired thousands of young men and women to take up sailing.
The programme has pledged to teach 70,000 Omani children to sail by 2020 at eight sailing schools, three of which are already operational.
“Great strides have already been made towards achieving our goal to rekindle Oman’s maritime heritage while raising the country’s regional and international profile as a high-end tourist and foreign investment destination, through competitive sailing at home and abroad.”
A Youth Programme with a clear excellence pathway aiming to take an Omani sailing team to the 2012 Olympics was on track while a dedicated Women’s Programme custom designed for cultural factors encouraged sailing, coaching and racing.
Sailing and development of the marine industry by Oman Sail contributed greatly to the economy not least by attracting high profile international events such as the RC44 Oman Cup, the 2013 Laser World Championships and 2016 ISAF Youth World Championships.
Omani teams competing and winning at many levels of regional and world sailing – notably the victorious international campaigns of the The Wave Muscat in the Extreme Sailing Series and Oman Air Musandam in the MOD70 multihull series – continued to boost inbound tourism and provide valuable exposure to Oman Sail yacht charter, the PADI certified dive and sailing schools at home.
