Extreme Sailing Series / The Wave, Muscat make history in Oman (Images)

Oman Sail’s Extreme 40 The Wave, Muscat has won the final event of the 2010 Extreme Sailing Series and with it secured overall victory in the 2010 Series. The Wave, Muscat has also achieved one of Oman Sail’s key milestones; an Omani sailor standing on the podium of a top international sailing event for the first time in the country’s history.

Credit : Lloyd Image

The man who has made history for Oman is Khamis Al Anbouri, bowman on The Wave, Muscat . “I can’t describe this; it is an unbelievable feeling I am so proud to win the event here and the Series. We have worked so hard as a team. To be able to take the trophy back to Oman is amazing, I am representing Oman and it shows people that, yes, we can do it, if you work hard and focus, you can do it.”

Credit : Lloyd Image

His journey has been remarkable, from never having sailed before two years ago, to become a top international bowman. “Oman Sail has given me a lot, they gave me this chance and I want to thank them for the opportunity. I wanted to win this for them and to prove myself.”

The racing was action-packed right up until the final double-points race which, ultimately, decided the victor. The young team beat pre-season favourites Groupe Edmond de Rothschild from France to lift the trophy. Breezy conditions on the final day of racing saw the eight boats blast round the tight stadium set inside the port of Almeria in front of thousands of public. It was a spectacular finale to the five-event circuit that began in May in Sète (France), Cowes (UK), Kiel (Germany), Trapani (Sicily) and, finally, Almeria (Spain).

Credit : Lloyd Image

Paul Campbell-James, skipper of The Wave, Muscat,has campaigned for the last two Olympic Games in Great Britain but this win means so much to him. “This is my biggest sailing achievement by far; this is number one, without a doubt. I am so proud of my team and especially Khamis, he has learnt so quickly and to be able to help him take this title back to Oman is incredible”

Watching the team’s great achievement was His Excellency Hilal Marhoon Salim Al Maamary Omani Ambassador to Spain, he could not have been more pleased at the achievement of The Wave, Muscat “The Sultanate of Oman has a great maritime heritage, this achievement of The Wave, Muscat is helping to re-ignite that heritage. Khamis Al Anbouri’s win is also evidence that any Omani who has the will and ambition can achieve for their country and the support has forever come from His Majesty to support the young Omanis to achieve their dreams.”

Credit : Lloyd Image

To say the level of at the Extreme Sailing Series is high can only be put into perspective by the achievement of the 32 sailors competing in Almeria, between them they have won 6 Olympic medals, 67 World Championships and 137 European Championships, attended 30 Olympic Games and America’s Cups, sailed 21 laps of the world and hold 19 world records for their achievements. Oman Sail are really competing and winning against some of the best sailors in the world.

From Oman Sail