In a quest to crown Oman’s best sailing team from across 50 schools, Oman Sail has kicked off the Renaissance Services Inter School Sailing Championship 2015 with qualifying heats at its four sailing centres in Al Mouj Muscat, Marina Bandar Rowdha, Mussanah and Sur. This is the third annual Championship with Renaissance Services as title sponsors aspiring the youth to develop their competitive racing skills while proudly representing their school.
“The Inter School Sailing Championship is about more than sailing,” said Stephen Thomas, Renaissance Services Chief Executive Officer. “It is also about establishing the building blocks for personal, communal and societal growth. Renaissance Services is a big supporter of Oman Sail, especially its Community Sailing Programme, because it offers so many benefits that spread far and wide, providing opportunities for the youth to improve themselves and one day make a valid contribution to society.”
He added, “As a home-grown company, our ambitions are aligned with the nation’s focus on youth development to ensure a more skilled and well-rounded workforce for the future of Oman. Sailing’s many teachings include a variety of capabilities that can be adapted to both personal and professional lives, and is a unique way in which to start building tomorrow’s leader.”
During the qualifying heats, the country’s most promising young sailors aged 8-12 that have completed Oman Sail’s Community ‘Learn to Sail’ Programme and holding a ‘Level 1’ sailing certificate take to the water in their Optimist boats. Each made up of three children, the top three teams will progress to a final in an aim for glory.
Rashid Al Kindi, Oman Sail’s National Youth Team Manager, said, “These heats are an excellent platform for students to prove themselves and elevate their skills even further. Community sailing is at the heart of our Performance Pathway and it is essential that this foundation is strengthened for Oman to continue producing talented, enthusiastic and competitive sailors.”
Of the hundreds of children taking part in the heats, only 36 sailors – three teams of three per sailing centre – will progress through to the finals. Held on the 19th of December at Kalboo Beach in Muttrah Corniche, and as part of Oman Sail’s 45th National Day Sailing Festival, the final will end with the 2015 Inter School Sailing Champions crowned at a special prize-giving at Kalboo Park Amphitheatre.
