In a thrilling close to the Extreme Sailing Series, Muscat today, all eyes were on the two Omani boats, Oman Air and The Wave, Muscat who stormed to first and second place in the final race of the day. Big celebrations are expected in Muscat tonight, as the Omani-flagged teams congratulate themselves on a perfect start to the 2012 Series.
In his second year as bowman on Oman Air, this is the first time Nasser Al Mashari has stood at the top of the podium and he was elated after racing. “It is a big achievement in such an international sailing race. For me it is extra special that we are playing in our homeland and we thank all those who supported and encouraged us. Our team was determined to win and we worked so hard. We have definitely set ourselves a standard for the rest of the year!”
The French favourites Groupe Edmond de Rothschild went into the day in pole position, with Oman Air and The Wave, Muscat trailing just a few points behind in second and third respectively. The three teams jockeyed for points with the standings changing after every race, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats.
Despite receiving a penalty during the start of race one for crossing the line too early, Oman Air managed to finish two places clear of Groupe Edmond du Rothschild, edging their way to the top of the leaderboard, and knocking the French off the top spot for the first time during the event.
A spectacular win for The Wave, Muscat in the opening race saw them climb to second, and in race two the Omani teams continued to extend their advantage over the French.
A win in race three for double Olympic-gold medallist Roman Hagara and the Austrian team on Red Bull Extreme, reminded the teams that they had to keep an eye on their other competitors, and with the points so close, any of the top five boats could have finished in a podium place.
In race four, Oman Air were given a penalty on the start line which added to the ever mounting pressure, leaving them trailing to finish seventh, allowing The Wave, Muscat and Groupe Edmond de Rothschild to gain valuable points and close the gap – leaving the Omani teams tied at the top, with the French just two points adrift.
Race five and it was all change again with a penalty on the water for Groupe Edmond de Rothschild for an infringement against Oman Air, whilst The Wave, Muscat sailed on to finish second - which put them at the top of the leaderboard for the first time - one point ahead of their teammates, Oman Air.
Just when the crowds thought it couldn’t get any closer, during the penultimate race it was Oman Air who this time had the advantage over The Wave, Muscat, and the Omani-flagged teams went into the final double points race tied on points at the top of the leaderboard – with a 12 point cushion over Groupe Edmond de Rothschild.
The teams were not out of danger yet however, and during the last race of the day Groupe Edmond de Rothschild were determined to make one last assault on the leaderboard. A second for the French and a third place for Oman Air was enough for the Omani team to claim the top spot, while sixth for The Wave, Muscat was the icing on the cake and secured both Omani boats positions at the top of the leaderboard.
For The Wave, Muscat’s Bowman, Hashim Al Rashidi, the podium position held extra significance, in his debut event on the Extreme 40.
“I very happy that we made it to the podium and won the second place. We worked very hard as a team and this was a great way to start the Series! The competition was very fierce between us and Oman Air and the changes in the direction of the wind played a major role today in changing the positions of the teams – every race the score board was changing!”
Her Excellency Sheika Aisha bint Khalfan Al Siyabiah, Chairperson of the Public Authority for Craft Industries officially presented the awards to the teams today, and praised the event and the efforts of all those involved.
“I am very happy to be part of this event. Having visited a lot of cities around the world, I can say that when Muscat hosts an event such as this it is proof that we have the infrastructure and facilities here to successfully host an international race, such as the Extreme Sailing Series.
“Oman has a great maritime heritage and I would like to encourage all the youth to take up this great sailing opportunity and to learn not only from the professional Omani sailors but also from the international expertise that are sailing in this event with us. I congratulate them all of them all the best.”
The public flocked to the beach to watch the Omani teams challenge for glory today, with thousands of people turning out to show their support for the national teams. The action on the water was complemented by Oman Sail’s Try Sailing programme for children, which saw an incredible 400 young people from the local area take to the water for the first time – and amongst them may be Oman’s sailing stars of the future.
Oman’s singing sensation, Salah Al Zadjali rounded up what has been a fantastic opening to the Extreme Sailing Series at The Wave, Muscat today, performing a live concert for the sailors and the crowds.
Described by Oman Air’s new sipper Morgan Larson as an ‘awesome experience’ the new skipper to the series is already turning his attentions to the next event which will take the teams to the 2008 Olympic sailing venue in Qingdao, China.
“To win the first event of the year is huge for us and we understand what a great field we are playing on. Everyone pushed us all week long right down that last race, and I am sure the other teams are now already thinking about Qingdao. It is going to be a very different venue from Muscat with different conditions, and we need to start thinking about that. For now though, we couldn’t be happier”.
The eight-boat fleet will next meet in China, from the 17-20 April, before visiting Turkey, Portugal, the UK, Italy, France and the final event of the 2012 Series in Brazil, in December.
FINAL EXTREME SAILING SERIES MUSCAT RESULTS
1. Oman Air – 165 points
2. The Wave, Muscat – 159 points
3. Groupe Edmond de Rothschild – 155 points
4. Red Bull Extreme Sailing – 148 points
5. GAC Pindar – 138 points
6. ZouLou – 111 points
7. Alinghi – 109 points
8. Team Trifork – 95 points
From : Oman Sail
Credit : Lloyd Images
In his second year as bowman on Oman Air, this is the first time Nasser Al Mashari has stood at the top of the podium and he was elated after racing. “It is a big achievement in such an international sailing race. For me it is extra special that we are playing in our homeland and we thank all those who supported and encouraged us. Our team was determined to win and we worked so hard. We have definitely set ourselves a standard for the rest of the year!”
The French favourites Groupe Edmond de Rothschild went into the day in pole position, with Oman Air and The Wave, Muscat trailing just a few points behind in second and third respectively. The three teams jockeyed for points with the standings changing after every race, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats.
Despite receiving a penalty during the start of race one for crossing the line too early, Oman Air managed to finish two places clear of Groupe Edmond du Rothschild, edging their way to the top of the leaderboard, and knocking the French off the top spot for the first time during the event.
A spectacular win for The Wave, Muscat in the opening race saw them climb to second, and in race two the Omani teams continued to extend their advantage over the French.
A win in race three for double Olympic-gold medallist Roman Hagara and the Austrian team on Red Bull Extreme, reminded the teams that they had to keep an eye on their other competitors, and with the points so close, any of the top five boats could have finished in a podium place.
In race four, Oman Air were given a penalty on the start line which added to the ever mounting pressure, leaving them trailing to finish seventh, allowing The Wave, Muscat and Groupe Edmond de Rothschild to gain valuable points and close the gap – leaving the Omani teams tied at the top, with the French just two points adrift.
Race five and it was all change again with a penalty on the water for Groupe Edmond de Rothschild for an infringement against Oman Air, whilst The Wave, Muscat sailed on to finish second - which put them at the top of the leaderboard for the first time - one point ahead of their teammates, Oman Air.
Just when the crowds thought it couldn’t get any closer, during the penultimate race it was Oman Air who this time had the advantage over The Wave, Muscat, and the Omani-flagged teams went into the final double points race tied on points at the top of the leaderboard – with a 12 point cushion over Groupe Edmond de Rothschild.
The teams were not out of danger yet however, and during the last race of the day Groupe Edmond de Rothschild were determined to make one last assault on the leaderboard. A second for the French and a third place for Oman Air was enough for the Omani team to claim the top spot, while sixth for The Wave, Muscat was the icing on the cake and secured both Omani boats positions at the top of the leaderboard.
For The Wave, Muscat’s Bowman, Hashim Al Rashidi, the podium position held extra significance, in his debut event on the Extreme 40.
“I very happy that we made it to the podium and won the second place. We worked very hard as a team and this was a great way to start the Series! The competition was very fierce between us and Oman Air and the changes in the direction of the wind played a major role today in changing the positions of the teams – every race the score board was changing!”
Her Excellency Sheika Aisha bint Khalfan Al Siyabiah, Chairperson of the Public Authority for Craft Industries officially presented the awards to the teams today, and praised the event and the efforts of all those involved.
“I am very happy to be part of this event. Having visited a lot of cities around the world, I can say that when Muscat hosts an event such as this it is proof that we have the infrastructure and facilities here to successfully host an international race, such as the Extreme Sailing Series.
“Oman has a great maritime heritage and I would like to encourage all the youth to take up this great sailing opportunity and to learn not only from the professional Omani sailors but also from the international expertise that are sailing in this event with us. I congratulate them all of them all the best.”
The public flocked to the beach to watch the Omani teams challenge for glory today, with thousands of people turning out to show their support for the national teams. The action on the water was complemented by Oman Sail’s Try Sailing programme for children, which saw an incredible 400 young people from the local area take to the water for the first time – and amongst them may be Oman’s sailing stars of the future.
Oman’s singing sensation, Salah Al Zadjali rounded up what has been a fantastic opening to the Extreme Sailing Series at The Wave, Muscat today, performing a live concert for the sailors and the crowds.
Described by Oman Air’s new sipper Morgan Larson as an ‘awesome experience’ the new skipper to the series is already turning his attentions to the next event which will take the teams to the 2008 Olympic sailing venue in Qingdao, China.
“To win the first event of the year is huge for us and we understand what a great field we are playing on. Everyone pushed us all week long right down that last race, and I am sure the other teams are now already thinking about Qingdao. It is going to be a very different venue from Muscat with different conditions, and we need to start thinking about that. For now though, we couldn’t be happier”.
The eight-boat fleet will next meet in China, from the 17-20 April, before visiting Turkey, Portugal, the UK, Italy, France and the final event of the 2012 Series in Brazil, in December.
FINAL EXTREME SAILING SERIES MUSCAT RESULTS
1. Oman Air – 165 points
2. The Wave, Muscat – 159 points
3. Groupe Edmond de Rothschild – 155 points
4. Red Bull Extreme Sailing – 148 points
5. GAC Pindar – 138 points
6. ZouLou – 111 points
7. Alinghi – 109 points
8. Team Trifork – 95 points
From : Oman Sail
