Our budding photographers snapped over 3000 pictures of the 2011 Regatta. We’ve selected around 60 pictures that we feel best capture the spirit of the event. Many thanks to Matt and Marina for all your efforts! The 60 pictures in our “Best of Regatta 2011″ album will also be printed A4 size and hardbound. If you are at the Marina and have a few minutes to spare ask if you can have a look at the 2011 Regatta Photo Album.
Best of Regatta 2011 – Gallery
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Filed under Press
Fight to the Finish
Filed under General News
Saleem Q. Al Zawawi, Chairman of the Muscat Regatta
Last night shortly before 2:30 am, two Farr 30s from Oman Sail approached the finish line of the 240 mile Chairman’s Cup Race locked in a titanic struggle. The two yachts were match racing to the finish, each one of them snatching the lead in a duel to the end. After over 62 hours of racing, the line honours winner was only decided on the last tack. Oman Sail 4 steered by Ahmed Al Marmari crossed the line just one minute ahead of Oman Sail 5 steered by Abdalah Al Farsi claiming line honours in The Bank of Beirut Chairman’s Cup and victory in the Farr 30 Class.
However, neither of the two Farr 30s dueling at the finish could have been aware of another nail biting finish. Three hours later, Boracic skippered by Calum McKie, the Vice Commodore of the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club led his team to the line. After time correction, Boracic had the quickest elapsed time by the slender margin of just one minute and fifteen seconds and were therefore declared overall winners of The Bank of Beirut Chairman’s Cup.
At the prize giving, Saleem Q. Al Zawawi, Chairman of the Muscat Regatta welcomed the guest of honour, His Excellency Sayyid Khalifa bin al Mirdas bin Ahmed al-Busaidi, the Governor of Musandam and gave his closing speech.
Calum McKie received The Chairman's Cup from The Governor of Musandam
“Many congratulations to all of the participants that have taken part, I would like to thank all of our sponsors for their support. Especially our title sponsor, The Bank of Beirut for their overwhelming generosity in providing a cash prize of US$50,000.
I would also congratulate the race organizing committee, GWM Racing, the Royal Oman Police Coastguard, the Royal Navy of Oman and the Ministry of Sports Affairs. They have provided well-managed and secure racing. Their work behind the scenes to ensure safe passage should not go unnoticed. It is with great pleasure that I see sailors from abroad competing together with many Omani sailors. The race is now firmly established in the sailing calendar with strong support from the Ministry of Tourism.
I would like to make a special mention to competitors from the United Arab Emirates and I would urge you all to encourage your friends to take part next year. Oman Sail have indicated that there will be a far larger number of Farr 30s racing next year and we have received a very positive response from supporting partners in both the public and the private sector. With all of your support, we can firmly establish a superb offshore race to this spectacular location.”
After the prize giving crew and honoured guests were invited to a sumptuous banquet at the Golden Tulip Resort, a fabulous setting with panoramic views across the famed Musandam Peninsular.
Full results can be found HERE
Saleem Q. Al Zawawi, also confirmed that the 2012 Muscat Regatta will start on the 22nd of November and finish in Khasab on the 28th of November.
Prize Winners at the 2011 Bank of Beirut Chairman's Cup
Hauntingly Beautiful
Filed under General News
musandam Peninsula
The yachts racing in The Chairman’s Cup Race to Khasab will have suffered the effects of torrential rain last night. However, they are shortly to pass Musandam, One of the most incredibly beautiful place in the Arabian Peninsula. The elegant Hajar mountain series and the crystal clear waters are absolutely spectacular. The Musandam peninsula Oman is so popular for the scenic beauty of its fjord and has earned it the nickname of the ‘Norway of the Arabia’.
Next stop Khasab
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The Chairman's Cup - Start
The Chairman’s Cup race, sponsored by The Bank of Beirut, started without delay this morning from outside Marina Bandar Al-Rowdha in the presence of the Her Excellency Maytha bint Saif bin Majid al Mahrooqiyah, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism.
A northwesterly breeze of 8-11 knots just west of the north provided ideal conditions for the start with the fleet beating to windward. Cloud cover over the coast may well prevent a sea breeze from developing, which may result in the fleet seeking to go offshore for more breeze and a better angle to the wind further up the coast, as the wind is expected to strengthen and veer to the northwest by tomorrow.
The 230-mile race is a very tactical affair with yachts needing to forsee the best direction to sail to stay in the best breeze. Inshore may result in land effects creating wind both day and night, however offshore there may be more gradient wind.
“Shortly after the start the wind started to pick up, resulting in an increase in sea state. It could be a bumpy ride to Khasab, especially if the wind increase and stays on the nose. We could see as much as 20 knots maybe more later in the race.” Confirmed Oman Sail Farr 30 coach, Jean-Michel Gandin.
Oman Sail 5 got the best start judging the line with precision. Given fair winds, the fleet could arrive in Khasab by Monday morning, about two days and nights at sea.
Magnificent Success
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DAY TWO – 2011 Muscat Regatta
Sponsored by The Bank of Beirut
The success of the third edition of the Muscat Regatta was put beyond doubt at the official prize giving. His Excellency Doctor Omar bin Abdulmunim Al Zawawi & His Excellency Sheikh Abdulmalik Al Khalili were given a warm welcome from Saleem Q. Al Zawawi, Chairman of the Muscat Regatta to the prize giving attended by over 300 VIPs and honoured guests.
Prior to the start of the last day of inshore racing for the Muscat Regatta, there was tension on the dock at Marina Bandar Al-Rowdha. All four classes were very much in the balance. As the early morning cloud was dissipated by brilliant sunshine, a gentle northeasterly breeze developed. The 51-strong armada of dinghies and keelboats left the marina on schedule.
Matt Ridgway
RS Q’BA – NAWRAS CUP
Bshar Al-Jabri continued his fine form by winning the first race of the day but the second race did not go so well for the young student. Rival Naseer Salem Al-Rezaki won the penultimate race and sailed consistently well all day to put pressure on the overall leader. However, Bshar Al-Jabri held on to snatch victory by a single point to win the Nawras Cup. Naseer Salem Al-Rezaki was second and Mohammed Al-Muaimi’s consistent performance through out the entire regatta secured third place overall. The RS Q’BA fleet of 24 dinghies was the largest at the regatta and provided exciting racing for young aspiring sailors. Ibtisam Al Salmi is a young Omani girl that typifies the enthusiasm in the class and this was recognised by the race committee making a special award to the young Omani sailor.
LASER – THALES CUP
The overnight leader in the Laser Class continued his fine form on Day Two by taking the first race of the day. Contender, Hamza had a bad start to the day scoring a lowly fifth but the young Omani showed resilience and dedication to stage a remarkable fight back. Hamza won the last two races to win the Thales Cup. Ken Greene was second and Ahmed Bin Humaid Bin Khlfan Al Shamsi cliaed third. A special mention for Ahmed who finished all six races in the top three places.
Matt Ridgway
HOBIE 16 – EUROCOPTER CUP
There was a nail-biting finnish for the eleven catamarans competing for the Eurocopter Cup. Paul Waklin & Asrar Aljami won the first race of the day to retain the overnight lead but a sixth in the penultimate race meant that Musab Alhadi & Ahmed Al Balushi took the overall lead. Going into the final race of the regatta, there was everything to play for. Paul Waklin & Asrar Aljami held their nerve to win the last race of the regatta and in doing so the Eurocopter Cup. Asrar Aljami was also awarded the special prize of the highest points scoring lady in the class sponsored by regatta partner MBDA. Musab Alhadi & Ahmed Al Balushi were second overall with Giles & Jules Brinsley claiming third. The Brinsley’s won as many races as the winners, typifying the close competition in the Hobie 16 Class
FARR 30 – BANK OF BEIRUT CUP
The clear winner in the Farr 30 Class was Oman Sail steered by Abdalah Al Farsi, which won all six races at the Muscat Regatta. . Ahmed Al Marmari steering the second Oman Sail yacht claimed second and pushed their team mates hard in every race. The Royal Navy of Oman team claimed third and were awarded the special prize of The Spirit of the Regatta, especially as the team has only been sailing together for less than a week.
Matt Ridgway
Oman Sail are expecting to have as many as ten Farr 30s racing at the regatta next year.
CHAIRMAN’S CUP sponsored by BANK OF BEIRUT
Today (Saturday 26th November) marks the start of the Chairman’s Cup offshore race to Khasab. The 230-mile race to the north of Oman is a test of sailing but also stamina and teamwork. The start should see light airs conditions but the wind is forecast to increase significantly with high wind speeds expected to give the competitors an adrenalin pumping ride to Khasab. The race course is an enormous tactical challenge, where crews must decide whether to opt for sea breeze close to shore or increased gradient wind offshore. The fleet will also pass the hauntingly beautiful Musandam Peninsular, which juts into the Strait of Hormuz. Title sponsor, Bank of Beirut have generously donated a prize fund of US$50,000.
Glittering Prize Giving
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Muscat Regatta Prize Giving - Matt Ridgway
His Excellency Doctor Omar bin Abdulmunim Al Zawawi & His Excellency Sheikh Abdulmalik Al Khalili were given a warm welcome from Saleem Q. Al Zawawi, Chairman of the Muscat Regatta.
A full race report and pictures from the prize giving to follow.
Final results from the 2011 Muscat Regatta can be found HERE
Dubai Muscat Race
Filed under General News
Barrie Harmsworth
Massive squals and a huge pod of dolphins
Barrie Harmsworth, skipper of Bin Toak tells the story of an amazing race to Muscat from Dubai.
To listen click the play button below:
Wonderful conditions in Muscat
Filed under General News
RACE DAY ONE
Sponsored by THE BANK OF BEIRUIT
After a short delay, racing the 2011 Muscat Regatta got underway. The fifty-boat fleet left the safe confines of Marina Bandar Al-Rowdha to a gentle easterly wind that had filled in across the racecourse. The four classes experienced sparkling conditions with clear blue skies and calm seas. The light winds stayed constant all day, providing some close racing action in the shadow of the magnificent Jebel Akhdar Mountains.
RS Q'BA Class - Matt Ridgway
RS Q’BA – NAWRAS CUP
The 24 strong RS Q’BA fleet, racing for the Nawras Cup, enjoyed a tight course close to the beach at Al Bustan Palace. The competitors were composed of Omani sailors in their teenage years, many of whom dream of racing in the big boat classes. Bshar Al-Jabri, a student from the Rashid bin Al Nadher school, had a very consistent day on the water and was rewarded by claiming the overall lead after coming second in both races. Race One saw Mohammed Ali Al Wahaibi take the gun. However, Ibtisam Al Salmi won the second race by some margin. The young Omani girl, correctly chose to start away from the rest of the fleet to gain a big advantage and win the last race of the day. Naseer Salem Al-Rezaki and Mohammed Al-Muaimi raced well today and are also very much in contention for the class title.
LASER – THALES CUP
Nine sailors are competing in the class for the Thales Cup and after a close battle on the water, Ken Greene leads by the narrowest of margins from Omani youngster, Hamza. Greene is just three quarters of a point ahead of Hamza with Ahmed Bin Humaid Bin Khifan Al Shamsi in third place overall. Yousef Bin Hamed Bin Khaseeb Al Sheyadi finished the day in fine style by winning the last race of the day.
HOBIE 16 Class - Matt Ridgway
HOBIE 16 – EUROCOPTER CUP
Eleven Hobie 16s are racing for the Eurocopter Cup and five of the teams are very much in contention after two close races. Musab Alhadi & Ahmed Al Balushi lead overall, on account of coming second in both races. Tied on points for second place are Giles & Jules Brinsley together with Paul Waklin & Asrar Aljami. There is also no difference between Sullaman & Abdul Latif, who have the same points as Akram Al Wahaibi & Hashim Al Rashdi. The Hobie 16 Class is extremely competitive; only three points separate the top five teams, so there is all to play for tomorrow.
FARR 30 – BANK OF BEIRUT CUP
On the water, the Farr 30 Class was a joy to behold, exhibiting exciting close racing. The powerful yachts were in close quarters, dancing along the water, swapping tacks and gybes. Abdalah Al Farsi steering for Oman Sail may have won both of today’s races but there was barely a moment when the class was far apart. Ahmed Al Marmari steering the second Oman Sail entry lies second with the Royal Navy of Oman team in third.
Full results from the first day of the Muscat Regatta can be found here.
Farr 30 Class - Matt Ridgway
Skippers’ Briefing
Filed under General News
John Grandy GWM Racing
A packed Skippers’ briefing was held this morning at Marina Bandar Al-Rowdha. John Grandy, Principle Race Officer for GWM Racing took questions from the enthusiastic audience and briefed competitors about today’s racing.
Currently a light northeasterly breeze should provide a gentle start to the Muscat Regatta with a chance of a sea breeze developing this afternoon.
The competitors are now preparing for the first race of the regatta, which is scheduled to starts shortly after 11:30 and conclude this afternoon.
Over one hundred competitors will be participating in The Muscat Regatta, which starts today outside Marina Bandar Al-Rowdha.
Muscat Regatta - Skippers' Briefing
Ready For The Start
Filed under General News
Farr 30s training
Thursday 24th November marks the start of the third edition of the Muscat Regatta sponsored by the Bank of Beirut. The Marina Bandar Al-Rowdha is a hive of activity, as competitors register for the regatta. Two days of inshore racing are scheduled with an exhausting programme of 24 races on tight courses, which will test boat handling and the stamina of all the competitors.
The dedicated staff at Marina Bandar Al-Rowdha is making final preparations to welcome several hundred competitors and visitors to the regatta. Race management team, GWM Racing have been hard at work handling registrations and scrutinising boats and competitors are eager to get out on the water to put in a final day’s practice prior to the regatta.
The Farr 30s were out on the water today swapping manoeuvres in the sublime warm waters outside the marina. The Farr 30 fleet will be competing inshore for the Bank of Beirut Cup and also offshore for the Chairman’s Cup, which is currently held by Royal Navy of Oman.
Rudi Steiness, is part of the shore team making last minute preparations before the main event starts, Rudi is a highly experienced sailor, having worked for teams in the last two Volvo Ocean Races. “It is a tough programme of inshore races followed by a 230-mile offshore race and it is essential that these boats are well prepared. We could see a variety of conditions and make no mistake, this is a very tactical race area, and the teams will constantly need to adjust their plans to stay in the best breeze.” Commented Steiness.
Scrutinising before the regatta
Magnificent conditions are predicted for the two-day inshore regatta. 27ºC air temperature with clear blues skies and a slight sea state. A northeasterly wind of about ten knots can be expected with the chance of more wind later in the day, if a sea breeze develops.
The skipper’s Briefing will be held at 09:30 tomorrow morning (Thursday 24th November) with three races scheduled for all classes, the first warning signal at 11:20 will sound the start of racing on the water.
