Buyer's Guide 2014

162
Fotos: Lloyd Images
EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour
The internationally renowned Tour de
France à la Voile is one of the world‘s
most famous offshore sailing events.
In early 2011 Marinepool partner
Oman Sail established a regional
alternative, Sailing Arabia – The Tour,
the first international sailing regatta
that joined together the nations of
the Arabic Gulf to race competitively
around the region.
The main objective was to promote
one of the region’s fastest growing
sports and reignite the rich maritime
heritage of Arabian countries.
Already in the first edition teams from
France, Bahrain, Qatar, Ras Al Khaimah
and Oman fielded teams and
proved that the region has something
great to offer to the wider world of international
sailing. The Tour exceeded
all expectations. The fleet was competitive,
the support from sponsors
and the officials in the GCC was invaluable
and the route was spectacular.
The event was followed around the
world and attracted great interest
from regional media who welcomed
and supported the concept
of engaging the GCC countries in a
competition around the Gulf.
In 2012 and 2013 Oman Sail moved
the Tour onto the next level. Nine
teams participated in Sailing Arabia –
The Tour on a route leading the fleet
from Bahrain to Muscat, among the
teams – for the very first time in Arabia
– an all women‘s team entered
by Oman Sail‘s successful Women‘s
Programme.
Marinepool is an official event sponsor
and no less than seven of the
nine teams raced in Marinepool performance
sailing clothing and safety
equipment.
www.sailingarabiathetour.com