This weekend around 25 Optimist sailors from Oman Sail’s three sailing centres at Mussanah, The Wave, Muscat and Bandar Al Rowdha were fighting it out for a chance to be selected for the National Youth Squad which represents Oman at international competitions across the region and beyond.
The first of three Oman Sail ranking races this summer was held at Mussanah Sports City and saw the cream of Oman Sail’s Omantel Youth Programme, sponsored by Omantel and co-sponsored by Oman Shipping Company, attempting to lay down markers for a future in sailing, over two days of intensive racing in Mussanah.
“The standard of racing was noticeably higher this time compared to previous years,” said Abdul Aziz Al Shidi, Oman Sail’s Youth Pathway Coach. “There were a number of youngsters who stood out and we were very encouraged by the overall standard and also the rivalry that is developing between the different sailing centres which is clearly raising performances and expectations.”
“It is obvious that the most successful children have developed a real passion for the sport and are keen to progress and it is inevitable that they will convey this enthusiasm and focus to other children in their sailing centres. This is very exciting for the future of sailing in Oman.”
The top four sailors in the regatta had recently become the first ever Omanis to compete at the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) Asian Championships and Oman Sail’s youth programme team were also pleased to see Samiha Al Riyami from The Wave, Muscat fare well in the predominantly male fleet.
“She is very light so to perform as well as she did in these windy conditions was impressive. She was really battling it out,” Al Shidi said.
The regatta was run along official lines with four coaches from the sailing centres offering their young charges performance tips and tactical advice in between races and running briefing and debriefing sessions before and after racing.
Two more ranking regattas will take place in June and August giving more chances for sailors to be selected for the national youth squad and to represent the Sultanate in competitions abroad.
