For the third consecutive year, Muscat, capital of the Sultanate of Oman, will host the opening round of the 2013 Extreme Sailing Series, where new faces and new teams will meet the more seasoned crews for the first time on the home turf of defending Series champions The Wave, Muscat when racing begins on the 5th March.

Eight teams with 40 of the world ́s best sailors from 10 nationalities will line up on the starting grid on Tuesday 5 March for four days of intense competition. The fleet will start racing at 14h00 local time every day and from Wednesday, 6 March the event opens to the public (Free Entry) with thousands of public expected over the weekend to join in the Race Village activities and watch the international superstars of sailing race in ‘STADIUM’ mode, just meters from the Race Village created specifically for spectators at Oman’s premier lifestyle destination, The Wave, Muscat.

Muscat Mosque © Lloyd Images / Oman Sail

Race Village & Activities:
The Extreme Race Village is located at The Wave, a premium waterfront development with over 4,000 apartments, townhouses and villas spread over 2.5 million square meters offering contemporary architecture with subtle Middle Eastern influences.

The public Race Village will include Red Bull Free Runners, motored paragliders, live commentary in Arabic and English, a football tournament supported by the Oman Football Association with 100 teams competing for a cash prize donated by Oman Sail going to the winning team and a charity of the team´s choice, resident DJ, food and beverage stalls, as well as many activities for children. The on-water entertainment will be complemented by a windsurfers exhibition and a Try Sailing programme for children, The Wave Muscat residents and the public.

Race Village map

Weekly schedule*:
Tuesday 5 March
11.00-12.00 - Official Press conference at VIP Area
14.00-20.00- Football tournament
14.00-17.00 - Open water racing Extreme 40

Wednesday 6 March
10.15 – Muscat city and coastal races
14.00-20.00- Football tournament
14.00-17.00 - Stadium Racing Extreme 40
17.30 - Public presentation to the top boat of the day

Thursday 7 March
11.00-17.00- Try Sailing
14.00-20.00- Football tournament
13.45-16.45 - Stadium Racing Extreme 40
17.30 - Public presentation to the top boat of the day
18.00 -18.45- Evening Racing Extreme 40

Friday 8 March
11.00-17.00- Try Sailing
14.00-20.00- Football tournament
14.00-17.00 - Stadium racing Extreme 40
17.30 - Act 1 Prize Giving
*Please note that times/activities might vary

The Extreme 40s racing in Muscat during 2012 © Lloyd Images

About Muscat, Oman:
Perched on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, stark beauty and vastly contrasting landscapes typify Oman: arid desert, secret oases, awe-inspiring mountains and a lush shoreline that stretches over 1,700 km.
Muscat was originally referred to as Cryptus Portus, the Hidden Port by Greek geographer Ptolemy in the 1st Century. Its geography has made it an ideal setting for the Extreme Sailing Series, providing spectators with a natural stadium where the racing can be watched from the waters edge.

Since the ascension of Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society. Notable landmarks include the Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House and the Oman National Museum, as well as the more traditional sights including the Muttrah Souq, considered by many as one of the oldest traditional bazaar’s in the Arab world.

Until recently much of Oman was undiscovered by tourists but it has developed into a high-end tourist location and a destination for foreign investment. The country has initiated and developed a national sailing program in recent years under the banner of Oman Sail. Oman Sail is revitalising the Sultanates rich maritime history and reconnecting young Omani’s to the sea, whilst offering them the chance to compete internationally. Two Omani sailors have won the Extreme Sailing Series in recent years - Khamis Al Anbouri made history when he became the first Omani to win an international sailing event winning the Extreme Sailing Series in 2010 racing onboard The Wave, Muscat, and Hashim Al Rashidi returns in 2013 as defending champion after winning in 2012. Oman’s other famous sailor is of course the legend of Sinbad whose tales are still told today.

The Host Venue Partner is Oman Sail and the Local Venue Partners are The Wave, Muscat and Bank Muscat. the Host Venue Official Supplier is Nespresso. The Extreme Sailing Series Official Partners are SAP, EDOX, Marinepool and GAC Pindar.