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NZ sailing yacht receives Omani makeover

Oman continues to share its ancient sailing spirit Down Under, with a new sponsorship of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron's Elliott-7 training boats.

Oman continues to share its ancient sailing spirit Down Under, with a new sponsorship of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s Elliott-7 training boats.

Every weekend from May to March for the next  three years, Oman-branded Gennakers will power the Squadron’s entire fleet of Elliott-7s around Auckland’s harbour, as well as during the largest match racing regattas in New Zealand.

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s Elliott-7 is one of the most sought after training yacht in the world.

Oman sailing 2

In addition to boats sponsorship, one of the Elliott-7s will be completely Oman-branded – a true flagship for Oman in New Zealand.

Mona Tannous, Country Manager Sultanate of Oman Tourism – Australia & New Zealand said the sponsorship showcases Oman’s ancient connection to the sea and sailing.

Did you know archaeological evidence found in early settlements prove Omanis have been engaged in fishing and coastal trading since before 3100BC?

“Oman’s connections with the sea and sailing run deep. From the legend of Sinbad, to the huge ocean-going wooden dhows that have set out from Oman plying trade and making regional connections for centuries.”

Mona Tannous, Sultanate of Oman Tourism – Australia & New Zealand Country Manager

“Oman has a proud maritime history and a contemporary sailing culture as evidenced by the Sultanate’s involvement in the Extreme Sailing Series and the development of Oman Sail – established in 2008 by Royal Decree to rekindle Oman’s maritime heritage, promote Oman around the world and provide long-term learning opportunities for the youth of Oman,” she added.

“We envisage this sponsorship opening doors for young sailors in the Oman Sail youth program to hone their skills in New Zealand and vice versa through exchange – connecting cultures through a shared passion for sailing.”

Oman sailing

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is one of the most respected and recognized yacht clubs in the world with an unparalleled record of global yacht racing success, winning every major title in the sailing world including the Volvo Ocean Race, America’s Cup and World Match Racing Tour.

RNZYS General Manager Hayden Porter is thrilled with the partnership, commenting “We’re very excited about this partnership. RNZYS is home of sailing in New Zealand and we share a common bond with Oman who have a long history of sailors. This partnership will assist us greatly in creating more and more champion sailors.”

Success of the 27 year old RNZYS Youth Training Program has come through intensive and practical instruction in the skill and science of competitive sailing. Young Men and Women between 15 to 23 years aspiring to be the world’s best are accepted only after an application and interview process.

Graduates of the Youth Training Programme have gone on to reach the highest level of world sailing, also including the America’s Cup, Volvo Ocean Race and World Match Racing Tour, and with many graduates currently ranked amongst the top sailors in the world. 

This year, the Sultanate of Oman’s ‘The Wave Muscat’ – a sailing boat – competed in the Extreme 40’s Sailing competition with Australian sailing star Leigh McMillan leading the vessel.

McMillan told KarryOn he has sailed for the Sultanate on and off since 2006 and feel privileged to represent a country, which he describes as full of culture.

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Have you had a chance to visit Oman yet? What did you think of the destination?